Metro abandons plan for new waste to energy facility

It’s like an early Christmas gift for those opposed to garbage incineration.  Metro Vancouver announced on Thursday it is scrapping its plans for a new waste to energy facility. Metro Chair Greg Moore says improved recycling and waste reduction in the lower mainland means there’s no current need to build a new plant.  The Fraser Valley Regional District has been leading the opposition to this plan for years, and Director Jason Lum is obviously thrilled with the news.

“The path that Metro was going down was not one that we wanted for the Fraser Valley or Metro Vancouver residents.  So it’s great to see that we’ll be moving forward in an age that doesn’t require new waste to energy.  We’re also equally delighted that they (Metro) will be doubling down on diversion and recycling and we congratulate them on that.  Our goal is to develop advanced material recovery and couple it with some aggressive source separation here in the valley.  I think this news is a win for both regions. ”

FVRD Vice Chair Patricia Ross says they’re looking forward to working with Metro on more positive, efficient ways of reducing waste to landfill. She says incineration isn’t the answer.

“Even with the population increase, garbage and waste to landfill is actually decreasing.  So a huge applause for all the residents throughout the lower mainland who take this issue very seriously themselves, and are doing their parts in their own homes to reduce waste and recycle and compost.”

Metro left the door open to maybe start up the plan again in a few years, but Ross says it wouldn’t make much sense.  Ross says while she’s happy the new plant isn’t moving ahead, she does takes issue with Metro saying in their release that their current plant in Burnaby has had no discernable air quality impacts.

“There’s been significant issues with the pollution from that facility for a number of years, and if what Greg Moore is saying about it is true, then why are they spending $30 million in pollution control upgrades?”

FVRD Board Chair Sharon Gaetz says the celebration and relief felt today is similar to when they found out the Sumas Energy 2 project was defeated.

“I just feel like this has been a very long fight, and it’s cost us some relationships that we’ve been trying to rebuild.  It’s just such good news…I cannot begin to tell you how December 10th will always be imprinted in my brain.”