Project: Schkam IR2 Wastewater System

What is this Project?

Homes in Schkam currently use individual septic systems in their yards. Many of these systems are aging and will need to be replaced. This project will build a shared community wastewater (sewage) system to replace those septic systems.

The new system is being designed to serve both current homes and future housing in the community. See the map below for the proposed layout of the wastewater system.

How the New Wastewater System Will Work?

The community is building a new wastewater (sewage) system to safely collect and treat sewage from homes and community buildings.

What this new system will do?

The new wastewater system will:

  • Connect homes to a shared wastewater collection and treatment system
  • Replace aging septic systems

The system is being designed to serve both existing homes and future housing, helping the community grow safely while protecting the environment.

How the wastewater system will work.

Most of the wastewater system will be underground and not visible in the community. The above-ground structures will include a lift station near the BC Housing buildings and the wastewater treatment building in the gravel pit.

Wastewater will move through the system as follows:

  • Wastewater leaves homes and buildings through underground pipes.
  • Near the new BC Housing buildings, a lift station will collect wastewater from nearby buildings. A lift station pumps wastewater into the sewer pipes when the land is too flat or too low for it to flow on its own.
  • From there, wastewater will flow by gravity through underground pipes to the wastewater treatment plant in the gravel pit.

What will be connected first

The system will be connected in stages:

  • First, the new BC Housing buildings and the daycare will be connected.
  • After that, each home in the community will be connected one by one.

What happens when your home is connected

When it is time to connect your home:

  • A new pipe will be installed from your house to the new sewer line in the road.
  • Once the connection is complete your old septic tank will be safely removed.
  • The project team will work with each homeowner before any work begins.

What is the Project’s Expected Timeline? March 2026 Update

The project is currently in the detailed design stage. The design of the underground pipes and lift station is complete, and the team is now working on the design of the wastewater treatment system.

In the coming months, you may see engineers and technical staff working in parts of Schkam. This may include surveying and soil testing to support the final design of the wastewater treatment plant. The community will receive advance notice before any field work begins.

Construction will begin once the design is complete and funding is confirmed. The target completion for the project is May 2028.

Building Local Capacity

As the new wastewater system is built and brought into operation, there may be opportunities for community members to get involved in both construction and the long-term operation of the system. This may include:

  • Construction jobs during the building phase
  • Training opportunities toward wastewater operator certification
  • Long-term local jobs supporting system operations and maintenance

Building these skills within the community helps ensure the system is well cared for and operated locally for many years to come. More information about construction opportunities will be shared closer to the start of construction.

How has the Community Been Engaged?

Community engagement has included:

  • Sewage Treatment System Tour (June 2023)
  • Project Kick-Off Open House (July 2023)
  • Community Open House (April 2024)
  • Annual General Meeting update (September 2024)
  • Community Open House (March 2025)
  • Community Open House (August 2025)
  • Community Open House (January 2026)
  • Sewage Treatment System Tour – Ahousat First Nation (February 2026)

More community engagement sessions and information tables will be scheduled as the project moves closer to construction. These sessions are an opportunity for community members to learn more about the project and speak directly with the project team.

Community members will be able to:

  • Receive updates on the wastewater project
  • Learn how the new wastewater system will work
  • Understand how the transition from septic systems to the new wastewater system will happen
  • Learn how construction may affect daily life
  • Ask questions and share feedback with the project team

Community members are welcome to stop by, ask questions, and talk with the team at any time.

Who Can I Contact for More Information?

Saje Murphy: saje.murphy@chawathil.org
Joshua Bailey: joshua.bailey@chawathil.org
Chief Aaron Pete: aaron.pete@chawathil.org
Stu Purves (DNA civil engineer): spurves@davidnairne.com