As construction of the Site C Dam project nears its conclusion, waste management and recycling have become key considerations.
Discussions are currently underway regarding the handling of waste from the upcoming demolition of the 1,700-bed work camp.
The “Solid Waste Funding Agreement” between BC Hydro and the Peace River Regional District (PRRD), established in 2024, outlines compensation received for waste generated by the project.
An starting payment of $1.45 million covered waste produced from 2016 to 2022. However, due to reduced mixed waste intake and increased tipping fees, the compensation decreased to $1.31 million and will continue to fluctuate, according to a March 6 PRRD report.
The 665,443-square-foot camp, valued at approximately $470 million when factoring in 10 years of operational costs like cleaning, meals, and furniture, is set for demolition between May and June, according to the report.
The subcontractor is now consulting with the PRRD on sorting requirements for the demolition waste.
Key materials like wood, concrete, and metal will need to be separated to minimize costs and landfill usage.
Current tipping rates set by the PRRD for industrial and commercial customers range from $60 per tonne from clean wood and metal to $200 per tonne for demolition and construction waste.
Unsorted waste would face higher disposal costs, and excess materials might be redirected to the Bessborough Landfill.
Site C Community Relations Manager Bob Gammer tells CJDC-TV that the process is still in early stages, but many items from the dorms, offices, kitchen, and recreational spaces may be salvaged to manage waste more sustainably.
In 2023, contractors successfully diverted approximately 50 truckloads of insulation from the North Peace Regional Landfill.
At this stage, the final cost of the cleanup remains uncertain, as does the availability of landfill capacity to accommodate the expected waste volume.
*This is a developing story. CJDC-TV will continue to provide updates on Site C as the project nears full operation.