Metro Vancouver's growing pile of garbage could be found in a composting plant proposed for Maple Ridge's Albion industrial area.
Cascade Renewable Carbon Corp. of Surrey is applying for a licence to operate such a plant at 23402 Fisherman Road. They have started the application and posted a sign on the property in question.
According to Metro Vancouver, Cascade Renewable Carbon will operate a commercial composting facility that would take yard waste, fruit and vegetables as well as wood waste. Up to 30,000 tonnes a year of bio-organics would be processed at the plant. They are expecting to open early next year.
The company says the process involves sorting organic material, grinding it up and putting it in sealed, aerated containers where temperatures hit 50 C.
The computer-controlled method kills pathogens and ensures quality control while the sealed process also eliminates odours as well as bird and rodent problems, the company says.
The process is called NaturTech In-Vessel Composting System, in use in several locations in the U.S. The end result is a soil-enhancement product that can replace fertilizer and can be sold in gardening stores.
Maple ridge's Mayor Ernie Daykin favors composting to reduce the garbage load - as long as the technology doesn't stink.
A test facility in Langley for another type of technology for instance, produced virtually odorless soil, he pointed out. But he's not familiar with the technology being proposed for the Albion operation.
"If we can get organic waste out of the waste stream, that is a good thing.
The application was posted last week and residents who object have 30 days to respond.
Operating hours for the plant would be between 7 am and 5 pm, Monday to Saturday.
Another system in New Mexico processes animal, manure, organics and sewage solids.
However, the Albion operation would only handle vegetative matter.
The location on Fisherman Road, is already zoned industrial so rezoning and a public hearing isn't required. However, the company still needs a development permit and a watercourse development and has to ensure the site meets flood plain requirements. Those applications are expected to get to council by late this year.
Layout and design of the site has already been completed.
Metro Vancouver wants to expand domestic composting, to further reduce the amount of garbage being trucked to the Cache Creek dump site.
Another possible site by another company near Golden Ears Way in Maple Ridge has also been withdrawn.
Attention Maple ridge, albion residents:
If you live in the maple ridge albion area and would like to know more information feel free to contact us
Comments(1)