The District of Tofino will officially open its new $79.25-million sewage-treatment plant on Thursday, ending its decades-long practice of sending untreated effluent into the ocean.
The plant, located on industrial land about three kilometres from the town centre, is the largest capital project the community of about 2,500 has ever taken on. It will allow the municipality to meet federal standards for wastewater.
NAC Constructors Ltd. began work on the plant in the fall of 2022.
Construction affected traffic at times and led to the closure of the Tonquin ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½or Trail from June 12 to the end of August last year.
The district said in a statement that completion of the plant is “a significant milestone” and is the culmination of years of effort that has included local First Nations, regional partners and all levels of government.
Sewage that has undergone secondary treatment and disinfection will be going into the ocean at Duffin Passage between Tofino and Felice Island, the same location where untreated sewage has gone in the past.
“Tofino recognizes the cultural, environmental and recreational values present in Clayoquot Sound, and is committed to meeting our obligations under the federal Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations,” the district said.
A new outfall has been put in at the end of Cedar Street.
