Improvements to the regional district’s organic waste processing will be $3 million less than expected thanks to a provincial grant.
The Regional District of Nanaimo, in a press release Friday, Dec. 3, announced that it has been approved for the grant through Clean B.C.’s organics infrastructure and collection program.
The RDN has a 20-year contract with Convertus Group North America, owner and operator of the facility in Nanaimo’s Duke Point, where there are plans for $13.56 million in upgrades including a near tripling of capacity. Of that project cost, the regional district’s share, as per the contract, is about $5 million, according to the RDN’s solid waste department.
The RDN release noted that the expansion and upgrades to the facility are necessary in part because of coming mandatory waste source separation and waste hauler licencing bylaws intended to keep more recyclables and compostables out of the landfill. As well, the RDN says the project includes improved odour control “through a fully contained organics processing system,” reduced greenhouse gases and higher-quality compost.
“The project is a great example of government working with the private sector to create opportunities for investment in much needed regional infrastructure,” said Tyler Brown, RDN chairperson, in the release.
The processing facility upgrades are already underway and are scheduled to be completed by this coming spring.
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editor@nanaimobulletin.com
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