Delta has joined the appeal of the Enviro-Smart compositing facility’s air quality permit.
Council unanimously endorsed a staff recommendation Monday to inform the BC Environmental Appeal Board that the city would like active participation as a full third party.
Council had voted last month not to appeal, fearing it would delay efforts to address the stench that has plagued East Ladner.
Delta now joins 18 residents, as well as the compositing facility itself, who have filed appeals of the air quality permit granted by Metro Vancouver in August.
“Eighteen, that’s a clear indication of the intention of the community and for the city to play a role too,” said Coun. Sylvia Bishop.
According to staff, it’s anticipated the earliest an oral hearing for the appeals would be scheduled is in the first quarter of 2019.
“The air quality permit is in full force and effect during an appeal process and can be used by Metro Vancouver for enforcement action…,” Delta’s corporate services director Sean McGill stated in a report.
In its appeal, Green for Life, which owns the Enviro-Smart facility, claims the requirements in the permit are unduly prescriptive, unnecessary and might delay the odour abatement upgrade, which includes enclosing the operation.
McGill noted that staff met with GFL officials earlier this month who advised that despite the appeal process, it is their intention to proceed with the final design of a new composting facility as soon as possible and anticipate submitting a building permit application to Delta in the coming months.
GFL will also be holding a public meeting, as required by the permit, before Nov. 15 to provide details to residents.
Coun. Bruce McDonald noted “there’s no way on God’s green earth” Transport Canada will allow the stacks proposed by GFL, pointing out the 72nd Street facility is located right next to Boundary Bay Airport.
Residents have appealed because they believe the permit has flaws and might not lead to the elimination of odours that have plagued the area.
Meanwhile, Delta is holding a public meeting on Thursday, Sept. 27 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Harris Barn. The format for the meeting will include one hour of informal discussions with staff at display boards followed by a presentation by staff and a question-and-answer session.
-with files from Sandor Gyarmati
