BC Gov News

• The Ministry of Environment approved Metro Vancouver's Solid Waste Management
  Plan in July 2011 which includes goals for diverting 70 per cent of regional waste
  through recycling, composting and other programs by 2015 and calls for construction of
  a waste‐to‐energy (WTE) facility either inside or outside of the region.
• The ministry has not authorized any new waste to energy facilities and as of March
  2012, all WTE facilities built in B.C. must first go through an environmental assessment.
• The ministry has thoroughly reviewed Metro Vancouver's Solid Waste Management
  Plan to ensure it meets both provincial and federal rules for waste management.
• Ministry approval came with a number of conditions recognizing the importance of
  safeguarding air quality. Metro Vancouver must consult with the Fraser Valley Regional
  District to address air quality concerns in their shared airshed prior to beginning
  construction of a new or expanded facility.
• This includes development of a joint working group between the two local governments
  with terms of reference established by the Ministry of Environment, which include:
• 1. Environmental monitoring.
• 2. Establishing mitigation measures to address reasonable concerns about air
  quality.
• 3. Dispute resolution through an arbitrator.
• 4. Agreeing on acceptable waste‐to‐energy emission standards (which must still
  meet provincial law).
• Proposed WTE facilities must also have a high degree of energy recovery, consistent
  with European standards, and meet B.C.'s emission standards, which are among the
  most stringent in the world.
• The local governments support the objective of the Air Care program to improve air
  quality.
• The program was set to expire at the end of 2012 but due to continued concerns about
  air quality in the Lower Mainland and the Fraser Valley, AirCare was extended until
  December 31, 2014 at which time it would end for light duty passenger cars and trucks.
• In full consultation with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure and key
  stakeholders, the Ministry of Environment is working to identify sources of particulate
  emissions currently not managed through air care programs, and come up with
  reduction options to address human health concerns.
  

Contact:

Media Relations
Ministry of Environment
250 953‐3834