News release
For immediate release
Esquimalt, BC—Esquimalt residents are being asked to weigh in on a project that would significantly alter how waste is processed in the township.
After receiving a presentation about integrated resource management (IRM) at the July 6 council meeting, Esquimalt council tasked staff with reaching out to the community to hear residents’ questions and comments about the proposed waste management project.
Integrated Resource Management is a process used to maximize resource recovery from wastes that would typically get recycled or go to the landfill.
In the case of this study, the proposal is to have solid waste, kitchen scraps and yard waste processed using gasification rather than sending those materials to the landfill or composting facilities. Gasification is a process that differs from incineration in that the materials are not burned. Rather, they are subjected to high heat in a closed environment. The by-products are energy and biochar, a carbon-rich organic substance.
“It’s important that we hear feedback from our residents and businesses on this potential project,” said Mayor Barbara Desjardins. “What we are discussing here is a remarkable opportunity.”
Part of the impact to the township is the need to build a facility to process the wastes. The report proposes using a portion of the Township’s public works yard to house the site.
The report also outlines various cost/benefit projections based on different scenarios, such as the facility processing Esquimalt’s wastes or opting to take wastes from additional sources in the community, such as commercial operations or large multi-family complexes.
To help residents and businesses get a better understanding of the project and what it means for the township, the public is invited to a live webinar on September 22 where they can ask questions and learn about the potential project.
Council will review the results from the public engagement activities at a Committee of the Whole meeting later this fall.
A survey is open until October 9 to help gather input from the Esquimalt community.
The township has a dedicated project page that contains a video about the project, background information and a link to register to the upcoming webinar: esquimalt.ca/IRM.
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Contact
Tara Zajac, Manager of Communications
Tara.zajac@esquimalt.ca
250-893-6714