9420.pdf
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9420.pdf
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conservation and the implementation of conservation measures. However, in the GVRD,<br />
declining block rates are expected to be phased out in addition to a substantial increase<br />
in the water rate, providing a powerful incentive for conserving water.<br />
Reducing water consumption also has the added benefit of reducing the cost of any endof-pipe<br />
treatment, as treatment systems can be designed for smaller flows which generally<br />
reduces the capital and operating costs. In addition, many water conservation measures<br />
also result in a reduction of the contaminant load. For example, European experience<br />
has shown, that a 50% reduction in the BOD load due to measures which also conserve<br />
water is possible. The implementation of water conservation and other in-house water<br />
and wastewater minimization measures is therefore strongly recommended as a first step<br />
towards reducing the contaminant load discharged from fish processing facilities.<br />
7.2.6 Discharge Fees<br />
According to the B.C. Permit Fee Regulation fish processing facilities have to pay $13.90<br />
and $9.20 per tonne of BOD and TSS discharged, respectively. The fees are generally<br />
based on an assumed BOD and TSS effluent concentration of 100 mg/L and 70 mg/L<br />
respectively, regardless of the actual effluent quality. The assumed BOD and TSS effluent<br />
concentrations are multiplied by the maximum permitted daily discharge flow and the<br />
number of days per year. If the permit lists the average permitted daily discharge flow<br />
and/or is for an operating period of less than one year, the average flow multiplied by the<br />
operating days listed in the permit are used for the calculations. The maximum and<br />
average permitted daily flows could be reduced by implementing in-house modifications<br />
as outlined in Sections 5.2 and 6.<br />
As an example of fees applicable to plants discharging to sewer, the rate structure<br />
proposed by the GVRD in 1992 was reviewed (GVRD, 1992). According to this structure,<br />
companies would be required to pay a surcharge for effluent exceeding 200 mg/L BOD<br />
or TSS. The proposed surcharge would be $0.27 per kilogram BOD and $0.13 per<br />
kilogram TSS. This rate structure was based on operating costs for primary treatment<br />
only, and that the GVRD is in the process of revising the originally proposed fee structure<br />
to include operating costs and debt service for secondary treatment as well. As a<br />
consequence, substantially higher rates (up to five times - pers. comm. with Ms. Christina<br />
Jacob of the GVRD) may be set.<br />
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