Waste expert says modern technology should remit Regina compost anxieties

A waste management expert from the University of Regina says that concerns of odours and rodents coming from a compost facility are valid, but only if older technology and poor management are at the helm.

“A compost facility is nothing new,” said Kelvin Ng, professor of Environmental Systems Engineering at the U of R. “We have been using it for a very long time. We are comfortable with the technology.”

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Ng said that if compost facilities are well designed and well operated, concerns of odour and rodents shouldn’t be considered a very serious issue, adding that facility guidelines and regulations are top tier these days.

Last week, the RM of Edenwold denied the build of a Regina compost facility near the town of Pilot Butte after public outcry from residents concerned about water contamination, odour, rodents and the potential for a decrease in property value.

The decision comes after months of uncertainty while the RM reviewed the application from EverGen, the company that the City of Regina hired to build a facility for its new composting program several years ago.

While disappointment still lurks following the decision, Mateo Ocejo, director of organics and engineer with EverGen says that he’s confident that they’ll find a new site for Regina’s compost facility by next year.

Ocejo said he has built dozens of facilities like the one that was proposed near Pilot Butte and has worked in the industry for over 20 years.

“I know how to build them properly so they don’t stink and so they don’t produce any negative environmental impacts,” said Ocejo, adding that EverGen uses an Engineered Gore Cover System that has been installed in about 400 locations in over 50 countries around the world.

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While environmental impacts are top of mind for engineers, Ng said that public consultation and support is necessary when selecting a site for any kind of waste management centre.

“If they don’t like the facility, it’s almost impossible to build a waste facility near them,” said Ng, adding that he was surprised by the RM’s change of heart with respect to the proposed site.

“It takes time for the people to realize that this is actually good for us and good for the environment,” said Ng.

EverGen lost approximately $1 million in permit and surveying costs after the build was ultimately denied by the RM of Edenwold. Although the company was hired by the City of Regina, the costs incurred will not fall on the taxpayers as the city pays only a fee to EverGen for materials processed.

“$1 million is a lot of money, and you know, this is real money and this has a real impact,” said Ocejo, adding that the loss could affect “thousands of Canadians” seeing as EverGen is a publicly traded company.

Virtually every major city in Canada has an organic waste composting program. Regina’s came into full force in September, with waste being sent to a temporary compost facility at the landfill that was used during the green bin pilot project. In the first week of city-wide service, the program reduced 53 per cent of garbage waste.

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The city has said that the temporary site cannot remain at the landfill indefinitely and will need to move to a permanent site in 2024. There are no extra costs to the city for the temporary site as EverGen continues to operate it until a permanent site has been determined.

“I am going to get the facility built,” said Ocejo. “The city is standing behind us, which we are very thankful for. They’ve been a very good partner supporting us through this and we look forward to delivering a world class facility for Regina and the surrounding communities.”

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