In 2016, the Regional District developed a new Design, Operations and Closure Plan. The innovative design will allow the Campbell Mountain Landfill to stay open until 2104. In 2017 and 2018 the Campbell Mountain Landfill will be undergoing some large-scale capital projects to help protect the environment.

Biocover Testing

The RDOS is working with Sperling Hansen and Associates, Metro Vancouver and the University of Calgary to develop biocover test plots on the Campbell Mountain Landfill beginning in the Spring of 2017. These plots will test the effectiveness of biocover to break down methane as it is released by the landfill. Methane, a powerful greenhouse gas, makes up about 40% of landfill gas.  

In 2008, the Province of BC required larger landfills to install landfill gas capture systems. This involves capping and sealing the landfill to contain gas and then removing the gas with pipes. Analysis shows that the Campbell Mountain Landfill will never capture a significant amount of landfill gas. All the gas collected would be flared.   

As an alternative, the RDOS has applied to the Province to install a biocover system across the entire landfill. Biocover works by using a mix of wood chips, organic matter and sand to create an ecosystem for methane eating bacteria. Biocovers are in place across BC but this would be the first use on a facility of this size for primary methane destruction.

If the plots are successful, the RDOS will cover over 8 hectares of landfill with an active biocover in 2018. If they are not successful then the RDOS will be required to install a landfill gas capture system. The biocover option has been estimated at saving over $13 million over the life of the landfill as compared to landfill gas capture.

Drainage Prevention and Leachate Control

Drainage through the landfill property and leachate leaving the property are intertwined. Water coming down the mountain can flow through the soil into the Landfill property. If allowed to come in contact with garbage or compostable materials it can pick up contaminates. This ground water, mixed with any surface runoff, can then leave the site contaminating properties down slope.   

The RDOS has confirmed that traces of contaminated ground water has left the Campbell Mountain property. The main contaminate found are salts, that are an indicator that other, more serious, materials may be moving downhill. The RDOS has informed all affected property owners.   

In 2017 the RDOS will be designing and building a leachate capture system and drainage diversion infrastructure. The drainage diversion will be along Spiller Road. The leachate capture system will be at the base of the landfill. Water collected will be stored in a small lined pond. Depending on the quality of the water collected, the water will either be removed for treatment or used for irrigation on site.

Moving of Penticton Compost Facility

The RDOS has commenced survey work to look at relocating the City of Penticton Wastewater Treatment Sludge composting operation from its present location within the Campbell Mountain Landfill to one across Spiller Road. The site would be accessed from Spiller Rd and would be within the Campbell Mountain Landfill property. Moving the site will allow for more room within the landfill area for storage of recyclables and future landfilling space.