Port Moody Investigating Clean Technology for Waste Management
PORT MOODY – The City of Port Moody and Plasco Energy Group Inc. have entered into a joint agreement to explore the development of a Plasco Waste Conversion facility on the site of the former Barnet Highway landfill. The City has been investigating the feasibility of developing a waste conversion facility on the site of the former landfill since December of 2007. As part of this ongoing process, the city has now entered into a non-binding letter of intent with Plasco Energy Group Inc. which proposes that Plasco design, finance, construct and operate a waste conversion facility that will process up to 400 tonnes per day (150,000 tonnes per year) of waste on land leased from the city at the Barnet Highway Landfill site. If approved, the facility would process post-recycled residual waste that would otherwise be sent to landfill.
“It is clear that the region has both waste disposal challenges and a need for clean energy sources. We want to find out if this innovative Canadian technology can help address those needs” said Mayor Joe Trasolini. “This agreement is only the first step in reviewing the feasibility of such a facility on leased land in Port Moody. Plasco will have to work with Metro Vancouver when Metro Vancouver is ready to choose waste-to-energy options. As well, Plasco must, of course, be involved in any environmental assessment or any other regulatory process that may be required. Our due diligence process, to be conducted by city staff and the city’s Environmental Protection Committee, is an exploratory process to determine if this facility makes sense for the city and the region” he added.
Plasco is a Canadian company that has developed a waste conversion technology that converts the residual municipal waste that is left over after recycling, into a fuel gas and other valuable products. Plasco has operated a research facility in Ottawa since 1986 and a 100 tonne per day commercial scale demonstration plant since June of 2007. The City of Ottawa recently announced that they have decided to move forward with a 400 tonne per day Plasco Conversion facility.
At the Port Moody Council meeting held June 24th, Council received a staff report listing criteria that will be used to assess any waste to energy proposals that the city might receive. “No stone will be left unturned as we investigate all aspects of this proposal. There are many issues to be reviewed during the due diligence period before our findings are returned to Council for review in the fall” said city manager Gaetan Royer. “Careful research and public consultation will be undertaken to assure that we know exactly what we are getting should a facility be developed as proposed”.
Preliminary review of the Plasco Conversion System indicates that it converts waste into an engine fuel gas, construction aggregate, sulphur suitable for agriculture, salt and clean water without air emissions. The fuel gas created by the process is then used to generate electricity, and the resulting exhaust produces very low levels of emissions, consistent with the need for protection and improvement of air quality in the lower mainland. In addition, more than 99% of waste processed is converted to valuable products, including more net electricity output than any alternative.
“We are very pleased to be working together with Port Moody, added Plasco President and CEO Rod Bryden. “As the Mayor of Port Moody and the chair of the Metro Vancouver Environment Committee, Mayor Trasolini has shown great leadership in looking for innovative solutions to the region’s waste challenges. We look forward to working with the City to develop a proposal that meets their needs.”
The Public Consultation process to review the proposal will be led by the city’s Environmental Protection Committee. Further details on the consultation process will be released in coming weeks.
Port Moody – City of the Arts – is home to over 30,000 residents. The vibrant waterfront city values its natural environment and heritage character, embraces sustainability and is committed to community engagement. Founded in 1913, Port Moody’s historical ties to railway and lumber industries have given way to arts and service based businesses. With over one-third its land mass dedicated as parkland, Port Moody is a desirable place to live in British Columbia’s Lower Mainland.
‑ 30 ‑
MEDIA CONTACT:
Bob Parsons, Project Director, City of Port Moody
TEL: 604-469-4623
E-MAIL:
bob.parsons@cityofportmoody.com
For more information regarding our 400 tonne per day Plasco Facility in Port Moody please click here.