Central Sector Liquid Waste Management Planning

Update on the Sewage Treatment Plant Outfall Relocation Project

The Joint Utilities Board (JUB) is advancing the Outfall Relocation Project to improve local water quality and protect sensitive ecosystems. Currently, highly treated effluent from the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) is released into the Cowichan River. This project will move the discharge point to a deeper water location in Cowichan Bay, benefiting the river, estuary, and nearby marine life. Indigenous knowledge has guided project planning to help protect shellfish beds and other key habitats.

After extensive consultation with First Nations, interest groups, and the public, a preferred route has been selected. The new pipe will run underground along road rights-of-way through Cowichan Tribes' lands, follow part of Cowichan Bay Road, and reach the marine environment at Hecate Park. From there, the pipe will rest on the seafloor to reach the new outfall location.

Approval from Transport Canada of the marine route is required. This approval process includes a 30-day public notice period to allow for community feedback. Notices will be posted at Hecate Park and in local newspapers. North Cowichan will be coordinating additional public engagement to share information on the selected route and revised project cost estimates.

For more information, visit northcowichan.ca/outfall.

The Central Sector Liquid Waste Management Plan includes Duncan, North Cowichan, Cowichan Tribes, Area D-Cowichan Bay and Area E-Sahtlam/Glenora/Cowichan Station. CVRD staff are working to finalize an amendment to the Plan. This webpage will be updated as the project progresses. In the meantime, background information about the proposed amendment can be found below.

About the Amendment
The CVRD is proposing an amendment for the Plan that will recommend moving the existing treated effluent outfall from the Cowichan River to a suitable marine environment location in Satellite Channel. This change will ensure there is enough dilution to responsibly manage our community’s liquid waste over the long term.

The process for this amendment involved a range of different activities in 2015, such as the completion of a Stage 1 Environmental Impact Study and consultation with partners, stakeholder groups, and the public. Final reports will be posted below as they are completed.

Partners in this project include Cowichan Tribes, the City of Duncan, the Municipality of North Cowichan and the CVRD.

Final Reports: