Landfill gas collection rate to be improved
Gas collection efficiency at the Vancouver Landfill in Delta must be improved to 75 per cent by 2016.
The requirement goes into effect in January of that year as per guidelines set by the Ministry of Environment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the impact of odours on neighbouring communities.
Delta staff reported to Delta Council in February the gas collection efficiency rate at the Vancouver Landfill in 2009 was only 41 per cent. A recent update from the City of Vancouver put collection efficiency at about 52 per cent for 2010.
Staff's report led to a meeting between Delta Mayor Lois Jackson and Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson in early March.
Delta's Chief Administrative Officer George Harvie said as a result of that meeting, Delta and Vancouver will be establishing a committee made up of senior staff from both municipalities to improve communication between the two about landfill operations.
"There was a commitment by both mayors to ensure that there are improvements to the landfill, that they're on target to meet the requirements of the provincial government, and that communication is more open between the City of Vancouver and Delta," Harvie said.
He expects the new Vancouver Landfill Technical Liaison Committee will meet quarterly and after each meeting staff will report back to Delta council.
As well, the City of Vancouver has committed to exceeding the province's requirement of 75 per cent landfill gas collection efficiency, and has promised to present to Delta Council a detailed plan on how that target will be achieved.
COMMENTS
Let's keep comments:
We ask that all participants own their words by logging in with their Facebook account. It's a simple process that will take seconds and helps keep our comments free of trolls, cranks, and “drive-by” commenters.
We reserve the right to remove comments from anyone using screen names, pseudonyms or false identities. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.