Metro Vancouver (the proponent) has not been granted an environmental assessment certificate for its proposal to develop a landfill at its Ashcroft Ranch property (the project) located 10 kilometres south of the community of Cache Creek.

Environment Minister Terry Lake and Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Ida Chong made their decision to refuse to grant an environmental assessment certificate after considering the recommendations of the Environmental Assessment Office, as well as a number of other matters relevant to the public interest since Metro Vancouver originally applied for an environmental assessment certificate in 2004.

The timing of the environmental assessment decision was contingent on approval of Metro Vancouver's Integrated Solid Waste Resource Management Plan. The plan was approved by Lake in July 2011.

Lake and Chong made their decision based on several factors, including the fact that the Integrated Solid Waste Resource Management Plan does not identify the need for a large new landfill in the B.C. Interior. The ministers also highlighted that in 2008, the Metro Vancouver board resolved to move away from Interior landfills and focus its attention on waste reduction, composting and other waste disposal options.

Finally, the ministers noted that Metro Vancouver's plans for a large new landfill on the Ashcroft Ranch property were based on the assumption that the Cache Creek Landfill, which has operated since the 1989, would close in 2008. The Cache Creek Landfill received an environmental assessment certificate in January 2010, which would enable it to operate for an additional 25 years.

Metro Vancouver could submit a new proposal for a future landfill at the property, should they wish to do so.

Contact:

Suntanu Dalal
Communications
Ministry of Environment
250 387-9745