Ceniral Saanich joins other municipalities in look toward putting sludge on land An initiative to put treated sew- age sludge from Peninsula treat- ment plants on a farmers land received preliminary approval from Central Saanich council Monday. Central Saanich agreed to meet with the two other Peninsula municipalities to discuss the fine points of a dewatering process, intended to reduce sludge to a more solid form for application to Woodwyn Farms. Council gave approval in princi- ple to four recommendations made by CRD engineering staff for a Peninsula dewatering: process. The recommendations state the Peninsula will carry out a pilot project dewatering test, design and construct a dewatering facility, do farmland application trials of dewatered sludge, do preliminary work toward applications on forest land, and landfill sludge as a backup to farmland application. Capital cost to Central Saanich is estimated at $851,000, of an estimated $1,783,000 total capital cost. Tom Lidke of the CRD engi- neering department said some pilot plant dewatering could be done as early as May or June, because, with a B.C Waste confer- ence in Victoria during April, some manufacturers are expected to have equipment readily availa- ble on Vancouver Island. A six-month design period would be next, followed by con- struction, allowing the dewatering process to be in place by mid- 1991, Lidke said. The councils hope to meet with- in the next two weeks, Jim Sandwith of Woodwyn Farms is excited about getting involved with the project. He plans to apply dewatered sludge to about 150 acres of a 200-acre farm located southeast of Mt. Newton Crossroad and West Saanich Road. “It’s a unique opportunity for the farm,” Sandwith said. “We’re in a State now where it needs to be proven.” He said there are materials that can be recycled on the farm and. If you're NEW IN TOWN and don’t know which way to turn, ‘call the 9) LTD. Youll be glad you aid. hostesses at: (Sidney & North Saanich) Theresa Thom 656-7746 Claudia Parfitt 656-7898 | Welone ule (Brentwood & Central Saanich) Bev Bigam 652-5452 Vickey Jackson 65. -3689 ; (Baby Welcome) Fern Gifford 656-8932 ° Welcome Wagon Answering Service 479-3385 done safely. Applications would be to forage crops on a rotating basis, allowing a two-month period before cattle could graze on an area after application. “I’m producing products that are for sale and I want to make sure it’s done properly,” Sandwith ‘I's @ unique opportunity for the farm,” Sandwith said. “We’re in a state now where it needs fo be proven.’ said. He’s done research on the idea at the University of B.C. and across the country but so far no test have been done locally. “Now we don’t even know of youre going to generate the sludge,” Sandwith said. Canadian Coast Guard [ie He would like to exceed any Tequirements set for the process. “I would like to treat and pro- cess further than is necessary, ” Sandwith said. “It seems sensible to us to try this.” Ald. Arlene Box welcomed the idea but asked if there might be a problem with smell created by the dewatered sludge. “I passed Saanichton Elementa- Ty On the way here and said that’s not the aroma we want to have,” Sandwith said. “It’s got to look and smell good.” Central Saanich will meet with North Saanich and Sidney to talk about setting up a joint dewatering plant to press the sludge in a process to achieve about 10 per cent solids — required for applica- tion to farmland. Sewage sludge is currently dis- posed through outfalls at all three Peninsula treatment plants, contra- ty to federal and provincial regula- tons. “GOING SO FAST he had fo use a glove for support is — Peninsula Eagles captain Mike Sato in junior hockey playoff action last week at Panorama versus Kerry Park. > Now that you have tried the rest Come to Willi’s to look your best WHELs IY “THE MEN'S SHOP” : “in the Marina Court” on 2ND ST. Tues. - Sat. 8:30-5:30 656-4443 No one knows marine navigation better than commercial fishermen. You're not about to take unnecessary risks if it means you might not _ make it home. Because most accidents at sea are caused by human error, the Canadian Coast Guard urges all mariners to use common sense. Carry adequate lifesaving equipment, never overload the boat and be cautious at all times. Let’s make sure we all get home tonight. - Garde cotiére canadienne Someone is waiting for you at home.