For the past two years, Sqéwqel Development Corporation (SqDC) has been working in collaboration with FortisBC and Hallbar Consulting on an exciting renewable energy initiative, the development of a biogas plant at Seabird Island.

We are currently in Phase 3 of the project. This means we are focusing on:

• Funding applications
• Environmental studies
• Preliminary engineering designs
• Identifying a suitable location for the plant

No construction is taking place at this stage. We are still in the planning phase, and we’re inviting the community to stay engaged and informed.

What Is a Biogas Plant?

A biogas plant turns organic waste, like dairy manure and food scraps, into:

• Biogas: a clean energy source that can be upgraded into Renewable Natural Gas (RNG).
• Digestate: a natural fertilizer byproduct that enriches soil.

How It Works

Here’s a simplified look at the process:

1. Organic materials are collected and placed into an airtight tank called a digester.
2. Microorganisms break down the waste in an oxygen-free environment.
3. This produces:

1. Biogas, which is cleaned and will then be injected into the FortisBC pipeline.
2. Digestate, which can be used on farmland as an alternative to raw manure.

The entire process happens in a sealed, odor-controlled system.

Why This Project Matters

This project supports a cleaner environment while opening new economic opportunities for our community.

Environmental Benefits

• Reduces Greenhouse Gases: Captures methane that would otherwise escape into the atmosphere.
• Improves Air & Water: The system significantly reduces bacteria like E. coli and helps prevent nutrient runoff into water sources.
• No Odour: Digesters eliminate the strong smells associated with untreated manure.

Economic & Community Benefits

• The plant is expected to generate jobs for operators, technicians, and administrative staff.
• It will be an additional source of income, which can be reinvested into the community and grow the Seabird Island economy. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Will construction begin soon?
No. We’re still in the design, research, and consultation phase — not construction.

What type of feedstock can be used?
The plant will use agricultural waste like dairy and poultry manure, along with food waste from processors and grocery stores. Food waste produces more gas and is especially valuable.

What is the size of the plant?
The proposed plant will occupy approximately 2.5 acres, enough space for tanks, roads, and equipment.

What happens to the digestate?
Digestate is a safe, nutrient-rich fertilizer that farmers can spread on their fields as a replacement for raw manure. It has less smell and is safer for soil and water.

Will it smell?
No. Digesters are fully enclosed. Air from storage tanks is filtered before release to eliminate odours.

Will bugs or pests be a problem?
No. The sealed system does not produce smells that attract insects or animals.

Where will it be built?
At the Sq’éwqel Business Park which is zoned for commercial and light industrial purposes.

Is it safe?
Yes. With modern safety systems and environmental procedures in place, risk is considered low to medium. Ongoing planning includes safeguards to protect health and the environment

Your Voice Matters

Over the past year, we’ve hosted:

• Community meetings with open Q&A
• Site tours to active biogas facilities
• Educational materials like brochures, videos, and posters

And we’re not done yet. Your questions, feedback, and ideas help shape the path forward.

Do you have any questions about the biogas project? Reach out to Carla Pretorius at carla.pretorius@sqewqel.ca or connect with us via our contact form.

We'd love to hear from you. Feel free to fill out the form, email or give us a call to book a meeting with us.