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SCRD continues to monitor

Editor: Re: Metro Vancouver Incinerator The Greater Vancouver Regional District has been reviewing sites for the potential location of a waste to energy incinerator. Port Mellon, on the Sunshine Coast, was one location that was identified.

Editor:

Re: Metro Vancouver Incinerator

The Greater Vancouver Regional District has been reviewing sites for the potential location of a waste to energy incinerator. Port Mellon, on the Sunshine Coast, was one location that was identified. The Port Mellon location is on First Nation land and is not governed by Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) zoning regulations.

There has been a great deal of public concern from Sunshine Coast stakeholders and residents as well as from those in communities identified as potential locations.

The SCRD does not support the incineration of waste. Incineration is not in the SCRD’s solid waste management plan. We focus on reduce, reuse, recycle and finally landfill  — in that order of priority.

The SCRD is specifically concerned about the protection of the Howe Sound air shed from the potential distribution of harmful emissions (particulates, lead, furans, dioxins), ground water protection, management of waste prior to incineration, residuals management, increased marine traffic, and cumulative effects in light of existing and proposed industrial activities.

On a similar topic, we note that Multi-Material BC (MMBC), who is responsible for handling SCRD recycling materials, has also expressed a commitment not to burn materials received through their operations.

While the incinerator is a Metro Vancouver initiative, we are committed to monitoring the project’s progress.

Garry Nohr, chair, Sunshine Coast Regional District