Metro Vancouver is responsible for managing wastewater produced in the Lower Mainland. A liquid waste plan, evaluated and approved by the region’s Board and the provincial government, directs how our wastewater is managed.

Liquid waste is the wastewater that is collected from homes, businesses, industries and institutions through vast networks of sewer pipes. Liquid waste is also the rainwater runoff and snowmelt that may be, or may become contaminated by washing and collecting pollutants from streets, lawns and gardens.

How we manage this wastewater has an effect on our environment and the liveability of our region.

Through an extensive consultation process (see the Consultation webpage), a new plan was developed and approved by the Metro Vancouver Board on May 21, 2010.

After review, the Minister of Environment, Hon. Terry Lake, approved the new Integrated Liquid Waste and Resource Management Plan on May 30, 2011. Upon approval, this supersedes the 2002 Liquid Waste Management Plan.  Under the new Plan, implementation progress will continue to be reported biennially for both the Metro Vancouver’s and municipal actions.

 Integrated Liquid Waste and Resource Management Plan