An abandoned landfill has been transformed into prime industrial land and is now home to a local business in Delta.

This is a result of the innovative environmental design of the South Fraser Perimeter Road project and a strong partnership and shared vision between the government of B.C., the Corporation of Delta and local land owners.

A section of the SFPR runs through five landfill sites located south of the Fraser River and north of Burns Bog in Delta. The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure worked with Delta, landowners and the Ministry of Environment to promote closure and redevelopment of the landfills during SFPR construction.

Through the Delta Landfill Renewal Project, an innovative underground leachate and methane gas collection system was built and designed to allow other landfill owners to connect to it and close their landfill sites. This project received a Consulting Engineers of BC 2012 award for Engineering Excellence.

As a result of this work, Ocean Trailer has rehabilitated the largest landfill in the area and has moved its business to the industrial land created by the landfill closures. In addition, new industrial land created by the SFPR landfill work is being leased to Ocean Trailer for trailer storage. The other four landfills in the area are in various stages of the closing process.

The SFPR project includes one of the largest environmental and agricultural mitigation and enhancement plans for a highway construction project of this size in British Columbia. In addition to the landfill site improvements, this commitment includes wildlife crossings, improvements in drainage to protect Burns Bog and fisheries habitat improvements.

The SFPR is a new approximately 40-kilometre, four-lane highway along the south side of the Fraser River. The eastern portion from Highway 1 at 176th St. to 136th St. opened in December 2012. The remainder, from 136th St. in Surrey to Deltaport Way in Delta, will open to traffic in December 2013.

The SFPR is a key piece of B.C.'s transportation network, which will generate economic growth by connecting key port, rail and highway infrastructure, making the province more competitive.

The SFPR supports Canada Starts Here - The BC Jobs Plan. The plan is working to expand markets for B.C. products, particularly in Asia, and strengthen infrastructure to get our goods to market. The project will improve economic and business opportunities and lead to 7,000 long-term jobs in Delta and Surrey through improved industrial development opportunities along the corridor. In addition, more than 4,000 jobs are being created during construction of the entire project.

The Government of Canada through the Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative provided $365 million towards the $1.26 billion project. The government of B.C. contributed the remaining $899 million.

(flickr.com)

Quotes:

Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Mary Polak -

"The SFPR is more than a highway project; it includes one of the largest environmental and agricultural mitigation enhancement plans for a highway construction project of this size in B.C's history. This landfill renewal project is just one example of the work being done to protect the environment as part of the SFPR project. I commend Mayor Lois Jackson for her leadership and vision in bringing this project to fruition."

Minister of Environment Terry Lake -

"This valuable renewal project has transformed a construction wasteland into valuable industrial land, while providing the highest standards of environmental protection to the surrounding area, including Burns Bog and the Fraser River ecosystems. This is an environmental, agricultural and economic success story that will benefit communities and families for years to come."

Mayor of Delta Lois Jackson -

"I am very honoured to receive this recognition for Delta's role in seeing this former landfill site remediated and transformed into productive industrial land. Mr. Keay of Ocean Trailer is to be commended for taking on this very challenging project. With the considerable support of the provincial government and the Gateway Program, this collaborative effort has brought significant environmental, economic and social benefits to the area."

Ocean Trailer president Sid Keay -

"Seven years ago I was told that turning Delta Shake & Shingle Landfill into useable industrial land was impossible. Through simple cooperation and a common goal with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, Ministry of Environment and the Corporation of Delta we are standing on clean, green, industrial land today."

Learn More:

Watch a video about the history of the Landfill Closure Project: youtu.be/B0Ur8N0Unrg

For information about the SFPR project: www.sfprconstruction.ca

For information about SFPR environmental projects: bit.ly/12GLX2z

For a high resolution before and after graphic of the landfill: flic.kr/p/ea3B1T

For information about the SFPR and the Gateway Program: www.gatewayprogram.bc.ca

Contact:

Kate Trotter
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
250 356-8241