Scotch Creek Community Sewer System Study, Columbia-Shuswap Regional District

The Columbia Shuswap Regional District will study the feasibility of installing a community wastewater treatment system for Scotch Creek in order to decrease soil, ground, and lake water contamination, and encourage sustainable economic growth. The system is intended to replace the individual septic systems currently used on each lot and support the District’s Liquid Waste Management Plan. Issues with the existing septic tanks include poor drainage, soil conditions that are unsuitable for biological treatment, proximity to the lake, and poor installation and maintenance of the tanks. The study will evaluate wastewater treatment design, location, and options, including secondary treatment with aerated lagoon technology, secondary treatment using a package treatment plant, and tertiary treatment. It will also estimate the capital, operating and maintenance costs of the project and explore financing options including private-public partnerships. Using a triple bottom line approach that considers environmental, economic and social implications, the study will include stakeholder and public consultations. Managing and directing growth is an important priority in the seasonal community of Scotch Creek, which swell from 800 to 2,500 residents in the summer. Therefore, the regional district will consider a phased approach to the project where the first phase will serve properties in a concentrated service area including the commercial core of Scotch Creek, and allows for future expansion. The regional district is considering a partnership with the neighboring Little Shuswap Indian Band to upgrade and share their existing effluent receiving and disposal facility. The cost-benefit analysis of partnership options such as these could be shared with other communities. (Project description from original funding application)