Metro Vancouver is entering a site identification phase to select where a new regional waste-to-energy incinerator should be built.
The region's Zero Waste Committee last week received an update on where it's at as far as the selection process, agreeing to extend the deadline for applicants wanting to identify sites for another couple of months. Metro will have a shortlist of preferred sites by the end of this year.
Already with a large area within its 132 hectares (330 acres) of industrial land zoned for a potential waste-to-energy facility, the Tsawwassen First Nation remains one of the contending locations. Aquilini Renewable Energy, owned by Vancouver Canucks owner Francesco Aquilini, is part of the privately-held Aquilini Investment Group that's partnered with the TFN on the proposal.
Earlier this summer, Aquilini Renewable Energy made the region's initial shortlist of proposals vying to build a waste-to-energy facility, which would handle up to 370,000 tonnes of residual waste annually.
The recommended criteria for site selection include a number of factors that could be favourable for the TFN, including size and its location within in an industrial area. As far as transportation logistics and impacts, the First Nation's proximity to the highway network, including the South Fraser Perimeter Road, could also be a factor.
Having sustainability as far as being part of a district energy system could also work in the TFN's favour.
"Depending on the technology, locating a WTE facility near potential heat customers may provide the opportunity to develop a district energy system. A district energy system could provide economic opportunities for the host community, and reduce the overall impact of the WTE facility and district energy system by displacing natural gas normally combusted by those customers," according to the tender details outlining the potential site identification.
Noting the Aquilini bid still has to work its way through a lengthy and detailed process, competing with a number of other bids, Chris Hartman, CEO of the TFN's Economic Development Corporation, told the Optimist last week that a WTE plant could help provide power to the thousands of new homes that are to be constructed at the First Nation, as well as industrial users and businesses.
Something else in the evaluation criteria that could help the TFN is the cost to Metro Vancouver to option a potential site to ensure its availability. Although the TFN wouldn't be able to sell its land outright, the First Nation has the ability to provide a long-term lease if members choose to do so. Examples can be seen in the 99-year lease for a shopping mall development and the 60-year-lease for the recently announced port container inspection facility.
What's not clear is if the TFN site would meet air emission requirements.
INCINERATOR ASH AT LANDFILL
A report to the Zero Waste Committee last week noted some leftover bottom ash from the region's only garbage incinerator in Burnaby is testing positive for high levels of leachable cadmium.
As a result, the bottom ash is being temporarily stored at the Vancouver Landfill at Burns Bog until further analysis is complete.
The report notes rechargeable batteries are the primary source of cadmium in the waste stream, and various sources suggest the number of rechargeable batteries in the stream, and potentially the amount of cadmium in bottom ash, is increasing over time.
A bottom ash management plan has been submitted to the Ministry of Environment. Metro Vancouver says it will work with the ministry, the City of Vancouver and Delta to finalize the plan.
