The Cortes Island Septage Treatment facility is located at Linnaea Farm and is managed by the Cortes Island Septage Treatment Committee, (CISTC). The site was established in response to island concern over the lack of a controlled site for the disposal of effluent from routine septic tank pumping on Cortes. With full attention to our stewardship responsibility for watershed preservation, a carefully selected site on Linnaea was prepared to compost the effluent with waste sawdust from local mills.

Effluent began being processed at this site in October 1993. An ongoing monitoring programme ensures the composting is not resulting in ground water or downstream waterway pollution. In 1992 we began having the water from the site tested by a Vancouver lab twice a year. In addition, as part of a wider island water testing programme, local testing of the well, and locations downstream from the site occurs several times a year. The Ministry of the Environment carries out site inspections two or three times a year. The Ministry also requires testing of the finished compost to determine appropriate end use.

The composting continues without problems. Analysis of the finished product showed a very high quality compost with low levels of contaminants. Though ministry approval for field application was not a problem, sewage based products are not allowed for organic certification in B.C. We have therefore removed the 'Crescent' field area from certification so we can continue our carefully monitored experiments in field application of this material.

Through a grant from the Regional District, and a private loan, a commercial greenhouse cover was purchased and installed over the dewatering basins late in 1997. This cover has significantly improved dewatering capabilities and decreases the chances of groundwater contamination. The next step is to increase composting efficacy by increasing aeration, which will be undertaken as resources allow.

We see this project as an opportunity to provide a much needed community service and have control over the environmental impact of such a project, while converting two common local waste products into a valuable resource and high nutrient soil conditioner.