Holman (Nov 01/04) - Holman's landfill site is a bit too close for comfort.

"It is kind of close to the community and we're trying to work toward getting it moved," said Mayor Gary Bristow.

"We're starting the process now because we know that it will cost about one-half million dollars to move it. It's not something you can do overnight, so if we want it moved in 10 years, now's the time to start."

Bristow said such a project takes a long time from start to finish.

"You have to convince the government you need that much money for the project and that's going to be very difficult."

While the present site does meet the minimum landfill site requirements, it is just one kilometre from the community.

But then, Bristow said, the hamlet encounters the problem of where a new site should be located on the island.

With no roads to the east of Holman, water source lakes to the north and east and ocean to the south, Bristow said it could be difficult to find a feasible location.

"We can't go the one way because it gets too close to our water and if we go past the airport, we have a problem with Transport Canada because it (a landfill) can't be within a certain distance of it. It's not that easy."

Bristow said an added problem is the permafrost.

"From this time until about May, it is impossible for us to bury our garbage because the gravel sources all are frozen.

"You have a problem with garbage blowing around."

Long process

John Picek, superintendent of MACA in Inuvik said the process of moving a landfill site within an Inuvialuit land claims area is slightly different because the matter involves the use of private lands.

"A normal process for relocating a landfill site or sewage lagoon is to discuss with MACA why there is a need to relocate it," Picek said.

The process would then involve determining the life expectancy of the landfill and where it is located in relation to the hamlet.

Picek said once the need to move the landfill is established, it must be identified within the five-year capital plan.

"It is usually a three to four year process to complete in different phases."

The first phase would involve planning and meeting with regulatory authorities. The second phase would include soil tests and design of the facility. After that would come construction and fencing of the landfill and then finalizing the project.