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'Proven technology' becoming outdated for sewage plant

Current CRD plan for sewage treatment doesn't look to the future

‘Proven technology’ is the current argument that the director of Greater Victoria’s sewage project, Albert Sweetnam, is using to defend the Capital Regional District’s liquid waste treatment plan.

But what does this ‘proven technology’ truly mean? In the past, it has been viewed as a positive attribute meaning adequate, safe and reliable. But in today’s world of rapid technological advances and weather change, proven technology no longer has the same value, as Blackberry can attest.

Today, proven technology is often more accurately described as outdated, backward and obsolete. Is that really what we want for our city and provincial capital? Is that really the infrastructure base that we want to build on for the next decade and beyond?

The CRD plan does not provide a good platform for modernization or movement towards tertiary sewage treatment. It is an expensive, bulky, centralized plant built on a small, low-lying lot on Victoria’s beautiful harbour. It provides minimal environmental protection at a very high cost.

Why are other cities modernizing while the CRD plays catch-up to implement yesterday’s technology – secondary sewage treatment?

We cannot just sit back and accept the status quo simply because it is easier. We must embrace good ideas, grow and learn in order to continue to prosper. We must challenge the city and CRD to do the same. We all want the best for our region.

Norma Brown

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