A temporary waste transfer station may be necessary in Coquitlam in order to bridge a gap in garbage disposal service between the planned closure of Wastech and the implementation of Metro Vancouver's new Regional Waste Plan.
Bill Susak, Coquitlam's manager of engineering, told city councillors earlier this month that Metro's goal of implementing its waste plan by 2015 is overly ambitious and could lead to gaps in the garbage service. That could mean higher costs for the municipality, which would be forced to truck waste to an alternate facility further away from Coquitlam.
"We are concerned that there may be a service gap," Susak said. "Should the Wastech transfer station have to cease operations, we may not be at the full, final implementation of the regional plan."
A part of Metro Vancouver's strategy is to incorporate waste-to-energy technology in order to dispose of the region's trash. The technology has been controversial in some communities and Susak said it could take years before a facility is operating in the region.
In the meantime, Wastech, which is a key transfer station in the regional network, is slated to close in order to allow for the Fraser Mills redevelopment.
The city commissioned a study that found a $7-million expenditure by the region for a temporary site could save $11.4 million, excluding highway tolls, in increased trucking and disposal costs. More local dumping in ravines and gullies could also increase, the city noted, as residents would not longer have a convenient place to bring their excess waste.
The city has identified a piece of land it said would be suitable for a temporary transfer station located on United Boulevard south of the Eaglequest Golf nine-hole course and driving range.
When the transfer station is no longer needed, Susak said the land could be used as an eco-centre, a facility that would take recycling, compost and electronic items.
But Metro Vancouver commissioner Johnny Carline told councillors at the city's engineering committee meeting the region is still determined to implement its strategy before 2015. He added that the board has not discussed the funding of any temporary sites.
