Interim Guidelines for Preparing Liquid Waste Management Plans
Section 6.0: Plan Implementation, Monitoring and Amendment
Section 6.1: Plan Implementation
Following approval of the LWMP by the minister, local governments must proceed with the implementation measures contained in the plan. As described in Section 4.5, the approval letter may incorporate additional requirements to be imposed upon local governments as a condition of plan approval.
Section 6.2: Plan Monitoring
Monitoring is critical to the long term success of the LWMP. Establishing timelines for deliverables and conducting assessment activities for determining the effectiveness of specific actions will ensure local governments receive high value for their commitment to the planning process.
Local governments must establish a plan monitoring committee to oversee and evaluate implementation of the plan. The plan monitoring committee should reflect the following interests:
(a) The geography, demography and political organization of the plan area;
(b) A balance between technical and non-technical interests;
(c) Continuity with the advisory committee(s), if possible through inclusion of members of the committee(s) who have gained experience in development of the plan; and
(d) Objectives of the ministry, through the inclusion of ministry regional staff.
The advisory committees and local governments, in consultation with the director, should provide the scope of work for the plan monitoring committee to advise local governments on all matters involving the implementation of the plan and evaluating its effectiveness. The scope of work should address the purpose, mandate, structure, meeting frequency and procedures for the plan monitoring committee. Local governments should establish a reporting structure for the plan monitoring committee that ensures that committee reports and recommendations are given open consideration by local governments.
Local governments shall submit a report to the director, on or before March 31 of each year, on the progress made with plan implementation, including plan elements completed and adherence to schedule and costs. This report should include annual reporting requirements as specified in operational certificates. Local governments may wish to include LWMP reporting in the annual report required under the Community Charter.
Section 6.3: Plan Review and Amendment Process
Local governments must review the progress and status of LWMPs every 5 to 10 years, or more frequently during times of significant inflation or when circumstances have changed significantly from when the original plan was developed. The LWMP review will determine whether or not an amendment or update is required.
During the review, the cost estimates for capital expenditure and operations and maintenance costs should be updated to ensure costs are current. If a significant time elapses between plan development and implementation, an amendment should be undertaken. The following should be reviewed to ensure the plan is still relevant and current:
- Cost estimates;
- Objectives and outcomes;
- Approach and technologies;
- Regulations and standards;
- Official Community Plan and Regional Growth Strategy; and
- Public support for the plan.
While a full amendment may address all of the above, an update to the plan could be undertaken to revise cost estimates. The public should be made aware of a revision to cost estimates through advertisement, press coverage or other communications. If a full amendment of the plan is undertaken, more extensive public consultation should be part of the process.
Local governments that propose to amend or update an approved LWMP shall notify the director in writing of the reasons for the proposed amendment or update. Local governments should discuss requirements for plan updates and amendments with the director and will be required to undergo a consultation process unless deemed unnecessary.
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