Peter Ordynec is looking for people to join him on the CRA Air Quality Committee. Over the last few months there seems to have been a reduction in the number of days when residents of Chemainus have been troubled by odours emanating from the Coast Environmental waste disposal facility in the industrial area on the Trans-Canada Highway.
But air quality concerns haven’t been resolved, and there’s still a need monitor developments on several fronts.
Coast Environmental has had an application for an expansion approved by the province. They want to increase the amount of waste they are allowed to process from 12,000 to 18,000 tonnes per year. The Municipality of North Cowichan has appealed that decision. They point out that the Coast Environmental facility is a ‘grandfathered’ use in the industrial zone, and therefore should not be expanded.
Organic Matter Recycling Regulations in B.C. are under review, one of the main proposals in the draft regulations being more stringent controls on odours. The CRA will be watching to see if those amendments come into effect.
As part of its research into air quality in Chemainus, the committee conducted a survey of residents. A follow-up survey would help determine if residents feel air quality has changed since then.
Monitoring and advocating for improved air quality is an important role for the CRA. If you want to help, contact Peter at pgo@shaw.ca.
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