Photo: Castanet Staff

Planning for a new compost and biosolids facility in the South Okanagan, which is "back to square one," has cost about $400,000 in the past five years.

Since 2013, the RDOS has spent just over $375,000 on consultation work — $175,000 of which has been covered by a federal grant, according to RDOS solid waste management coordinator Cameron Baughen.

Baughen added that with up to 772 staff hours, the total planning cost hovers around $400,000 in that time.

The RDOS has looked at close to two dozen sites as possible locations for the facility, and last spring narrowed down locations in Marron Valley and Summerland as the best two options.

However, those sites were repeatedly dismissed by residents which left RDOS board members split on what action to take.

Staff haven't been directed by the board with how to proceed since the matter was last brought forth on Feb. 1.

Board chair Karla Kozakevich said the project isn't dead but rather it's on the shelf — likely until after the next municipal election in October.

"I think it's going to take a new board to create some new direction on this. With the elections, we will definitely see a change of some members at the board table, which might bring some new approaches, fresh ideas."

She added board members might be compelled to make a decision quicker if the province steps in to deal with organic food waste at the Campbell Mountain landfill.

The province could mandate a system be installed to capture greenhouse gases from the food waste there. Staff estimated that would cost about $46.9 million — essentially double what building a compost facility would cost.

"If that province makes that request, I think that might really spur the board of directors to choose a location and make a final decision for a compost facility, but time will tell on that."

Baughen said the regional district has $63,000 budgeted this year for any further consulting for a compost facility.