An application to build a facility on Annacis Island that would be a form of waste-to-energy has been put on hold by Delta council.
Civic politicians decided earlier this month to postpone consideration of a bylaw change that would allow Earth Renu Energy Corp. to build a plant where food and other organic waste would be converted into biogas. The biogas would then be upgraded into renewable natural gas, by removing the carbon dioxide, moisture and trace gases, and sold to Fortis.
The waste would come from such sources as restaurant food waste, fruit peels and cow manure.
The facility would occupy a 2.18-hectare (5.5acre) property on Audley Boulevard, adjacent to the Fraser River. No outdoor storage or processing is proposed.
According to the Earth Renu, anaerobic digestion is a series of processes in which microorganisms break down biodegradable material in the absence of oxygen. It is used to both manage waste and to create sustainable energy in the form of renewable natural gas. Anaerobic digesters themselves do not emit odour.
However, odour can come from reception halls if care is not taken to keep the halls under negative pressure and the air in the reception halls is not properly treated.
The company states the facility would process over 60,000 tonnes per year of organic waste generating over 3.5 million cubic metres per year of renewable natural gas.
The company also points out this particular form of processing is currently used throughout Europe.
Delta's environment department reviewed the application and indicated no objection, subject to the company satisfying all relevant provincial regulations and municipal bylaws regarding processing, waste storage, waste treatment, natural gas connections and transportation.
A neighbouring property owner on Annacis Island objected to the application because of potential impacts.
Council decided to put the application on hold until a workshop is held to get additional information.
Incorporated in 2009, Earth Renu Energy Corp is a B.C. owned and operated company.
It currently operates a product destruction facility on Annacis Island, recycling packaged food and beverages that have reached or surpassed their "best before" dates.
sgyarmati@delta-optimist.com
