Solutions to snuffing a sewage stench from Chemainus’ industrial park will be aired during a looming public meeting, local officials say.
Recommendations about corking the stink stem from a $3,000 audit done for taxpayers in September by microbiologist John Paul of Abbotsford’s Transform Compost Systems.
His probe followed an angry protest by Chemainiacs living with a sewage-like stench from Mural Town’s industrial park. The park sits inside North Cowichan municipal boundaries.
Council’s working with the Cowichan Valley Regional District to find answers about quelling the smell.
“The audit’s supposed to tell us where the smell’s coming from,” Councillor Al Siebring said.
It’s believed some odour stems from Chemainus Composting Inc.’s plant, and a nearby septage truck-transfer operation.
“(CCI’s) interested in expanding, but we’re dealing with this audit first before considering their expansion,” regional engineer Brian Dennison said. “We have no control over (truck-transfer) septage.”
That operation’s under a provincial permit. Both operations are legal, but that’s cold comfort to residents.
“We’re trying to work with these companies, not shut them down,” said Siebring.
For more, call the CVRD’s Bob McDonald at 250-746-2500.