Environment Minister Terry Lake has approved a new liquid waste management plan (LWMP) for Metro Vancouver that deals with the pressure of an increasing population while planning to bring an aging infrastructure up to modern standards.

The plan, developed by Metro Vancouver and valid for the next eight years, includes upgrades to two existing wastewater treatment plants and incorporates resource recovery to capture heat and energy from sewage.

Local governments are required to regularly update their LWMPs and submit them to the Ministry of Environment for approval. The ministry reviews the proposed plan to ensure it meets provincial and federal rules for waste management, including B.C.'s Environmental Management Act. The plan must address the implications of future growth, including waste reduction. Local governments are also required to consult the community and local First Nations before submitting the plan to the ministry.

Contacts:

Suntanu Dalal

Communications

Ministry of Environment

250 387-9745

Bill Morrell

Metro Vancouver

604 451-6107

604 788-2821 (cell)

Connect with the Province of B.C. at: www.gov.bc.ca/connect