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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 />

95

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