Overview
Schooner Way Magic Lake 2 Wastewater Treatment Plant is a secondary treatment facility serving 468 people in the Southern Gulf Islands, British Columbia. It discharges treated wastewater near the coast of the Salish Sea.
The Schooner Way Magic Lake 2 Wastewater Treatment Plant is located on Schooner Way in the Southern Gulf Islands Electoral Area, part of the Capital Regional District in British Columbia, Canada. This small-scale facility serves a population of 468 residents, providing essential wastewater treatment for this island community. The plant operates at the secondary treatment level, which is the standard for municipal wastewater treatment in Canada under the federal Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations (WSER). Secondary treatment typically involves biological processes to remove organic matter and suspended solids, ensuring the effluent meets environmental standards before discharge. The treated effluent is discharged into the coastal waters of the Salish Sea, a vital marine ecosystem that supports diverse aquatic life, including salmon, orcas, and seabirds. The plant's proximity to the coast (within 10 km) underscores the importance of effective treatment to protect the sensitive marine environment and recreational waters of the Southern Gulf Islands.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Salish Sea, a complex marine ecosystem that includes the Strait of Georgia, Juan de Fuca Strait, and Puget Sound. This water body is a critical habitat for Pacific salmon, southern resident killer whales, and numerous seabird species. The coastal waters around the Southern Gulf Islands are ecologically sensitive, with strong tidal currents that help disperse treated effluent but also require careful management to prevent nutrient enrichment and contamination of shellfish harvesting areas.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located on Schooner Way in the Southern Gulf Islands Electoral Area, within the Capital Regional District of British Columbia, Canada.
The plant serves a population of 468 residents in the Magic Lake area of the Southern Gulf Islands.
The plant provides secondary treatment, which typically involves biological processes to remove organic matter and suspended solids before discharge.
The treated effluent is discharged into the coastal waters of the Salish Sea, which includes the Strait of Georgia and surrounding marine areas.
The plant operates under Canada's Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations (WSER), which set national standards for effluent quality, including secondary treatment requirements.
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