Health advocates have long warned about expected emissions from Metro Vancouver’s proposed waste-to-energy facility in Burnaby. This 37-year-old outlier facility has recently come under greater scrutiny. Zero Waste BC, an environmental non-profit that supports the reduction of waste, reported the incinerator’s daily operations posed severe health hazards. The over focus on just keeping the old facility has put local elected officials and advocates on high alert.
On July 7th, Zero Waste BC and the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment released a joint press release. Specifically, they pointed to the most alarming test results that need urgent intervention. The Children’s Advocate’s report exposes those dangerous and disturbing realities. Dust samples collected around the incinerator averaged 44 picograms per gram of dioxins and furans toxic equivalency. This level is especially troubling. Health Canada’s tolerable daily intake (TDI) is a mere 2.3 picograms per kilogram of body weight.
Local property owners have expressed their concerns about emissions coming from the facility, leading to a more detailed inquiry underway. Dr. Tim Takaro, a physician-scientist with the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment, has challenged Metro Vancouver’s assertions. The city continues to claim that their facility keeps toxic substances contained, that’s simply not true according to the data.
“However, this incinerator is clearly a source of hazardous pollutants in an already polluted airshed,” – Dr. Tim Takaro
Metro Vancouver’s general manager of solid waste services, Paul Henderson, defended the incinerator’s operations, stating that the facility undergoes rigorous air treatment processes. He further noted that the air released from the plant is subject to several filtration processes. These four stages are purpose built to remove 99.99 percent of particulates.
“Having reviewed the claims being made, we’re confident that the dust does not originate from the Waste-to-Energy Facility,” – Paul Henderson
Henderson noted that local industrial operations contribute to the build-up of fugitive dust. In addition, he pointed out that congestion plays a role. He added that Metro Vancouver has gone to great lengths to reach out to affected property owners to discuss their concerns and try to reassure them.
“Metro Vancouver has offered to meet with the property owner to observe the dust accumulation, describe the processes we have in place to treat, filter and contain fly ash, and to conduct testing to compare the ash from the facility to the material observed,” – Paul Henderson
A big area of disagreement still is over how much attention should be given to keeping the aging incinerator running. Sue Maxwell, a board member of Zero Waste BC, raised her concerns. She’s more concerned that future maintenance will overlook the most dangerous risks to health.
“Evidence shows that more emphasis has been placed on maintaining the 37-year-old incinerator,” – Sue Maxwell
Metro Vancouver’s waste-to-energy alternative is a better choice. Metro Vancouver’s facility provides a far more cost-effective solution. This is crucial as the county’s landfill is on the verge of reaching its operational capacity. Today, Metro Vancouver enjoys a 65 percent recycling rate—best in North America and twice the Canadian average.
Responding to health advocates’ concerns about emissions, Metro Vancouver responded that it had long assured the public about the agency’s commitment to air quality monitoring. Ultimately, it is up to the regional district to manage the health and safety impacts of its waste management activities.
In these conversations, the debate over health risks from the incinerator has exposed a more intense clash. This tension exists between waste management practices and community health advocacy. Zero Waste BC and Dr. Takaro are calling for more thorough investigations into the facility’s emissions. They need to know how these new emissions would impact public health.
More and more voices are adding to the growing chorus advocating for a healthy, safe environment in Burnaby. This change requires all stakeholders to prioritize efficient waste disposal and protect the health of the affected communities. Like any rebuilding project, local residents will be closely watching how the municipality will operate the aging incinerator. They do not want platitudes, they want guarantees that their air is safe and their health is protected.
