Cranbook
Introduction
The City of Cranbrook is in the process of creating a Liquid Waste Management Plan (LWMP) to enhance our growing city’s wastewater infrastructure. The LWMP will guide the implementation of policies, projects and programs over the next 20 years. It aims to protect our water resources and address key challenges within our wastewater system.
What is a Liquid Waste Management Plan (LWMP)?
Liquid waste, or wastewater, generally refers to sewage collected in a community’s sanitary system. Properly managing this liquid waste is essential for the health of both the community and the surrounding environment. A LWMP can help achieve this through the protection of water resources, addressing wastewater system challenges and ensuring sustainable wastewater management.
Creating a LWMP is a detailed process that involves identifying Cranbrook’s specific challenges related to liquid waste and developing tailored solutions. The LWMP will define Cranbrook’s approach to upgrading, maintaining, and managing liquid waste services. The objectives of this plan include water conservation, resource recovery, climate change adaptation and mitigation, environmental stewardship, and public health.
A LWMP is a signed agreement between the municipality and the Ministry of Environment. The LWMP will allow Cranbrook to proceed with its implementation without requiring further approvals (such as borrowing by-laws).
Engagement Process
LWMPs are a chance to develop local services through a collaborative process, and require extensive consultation with government agencies, members of the public, First Nations, and interest groups.
There will be opportunities for the public to learn more and get involved throughout the LWMP development process, including an open house and online survey. Stay tuned to this webpage for more information.
Timeline
Creating a LWMP is a multi-year, phased process, including three key stages:
- Stage 1: Define Existing Conditions and Options (2024)
The first stage focuses on identifying all the issues and possible solutions related to liquid waste in the community. This includes exploring options to improve liquid waste collection, treatment, discharge and reuse, as well as seeking input from interest groups on their preferred alternatives.
- Stage 2: Develop and Evaluate Preferred Options (2025*)
Stage two will explore and evaluate a range of options to improve the community’s liquid waste management determine the most suitable alternative. This evaluation may consider various factors such as technical complexity, capital costs, the ability to be phased, and operating issues/costs.
- Stage 3: Final Document and Adoption of the Plan (2026*)
The selected option(s) are integrated into the final LWMP document, which is signed and adopted by the community, and approved by the MoE.
*Timeline will be updated for Stages 2 and 3 following completion of Stage 1
FAQs
How do we currently manage our liquid waste?
Cranbrook has three main methods for managing wastewater:
- Primary: Treated wastewater is reclaimed for spray irrigation of agricultural land.
- Secondary: Wastewater lagoons which discharge treated wastewater to the ground via seepage.
- Tertiary: Release to the Kootenay River. This is only used as needed, when the irrigation system cannot dispose of all the treated wastewater.
Why does the City of Cranbrook need an LWMP?
A LWMP will allow the City to manage wastewater more sustainably and strategically. The plan will help Cranbrook protect its water resources, address key challenges within its wastewater system and plan for the future.
What is included in a Liquid Waste Management Plan?
The LWMP addresses septic systems, storm water quality and management, sewer collection, treatment, and effluent release.
How will community input be used in the Liquid Waste Management Plan development process?
The City will be engaging with the public, First Nations, and stakeholders throughout the development of the LWMP. Input will be incorporated and used to create a LWMP that represents the community’s interests, concerns, and desires.
What are the benefits of having an LWMP?
A LWMP provides several benefits, including:
- A LWMP takes a ‘big picture’ approach to problem-solving, allowing efficiencies that solve multiple problems without causing others elsewhere
- Enhances wastewater system management
- Better preparedness for future challenges
- Having an LWMP better positions the local government to address changes in climate or to be more nimble when provincial legislation changes
- Support for environmental sustainability
- Increased public health and safety
- Increases access to funding opportunities.
Questions & Answers
Have any questions related to the LWMP? Please contact [email protected].
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