Sylvan Lake looks at converting waste into fluff

The proposed contract is for 10 years and Fogdog would be required to arrange for a site visit at a similar facility, on the Town’s dime, prior to any approval.

“We’re in an exploratory phase,” says Mayor Sean McIntyre. “This presents an exciting opportunity for us to reduce our impact on the planet with respect to land-filling our municipal solid waste. But before anything happens, we need to take some time to ensure all of the company’s affairs are in orders and all of our community’s affairs are in order.”

On top of the environmental benefits, the proposal stands to save the Town money in the long run, particularly in the transport of waste to landfills.

While there is a one-time cost of $730,000 to build, full cost-recovery would occur after four years.

“Fogdog is certainly eager and confident in their technology and ability to deploy it here in Sylvan Lake,” McIntyre says about his first impression of the company which has no proven business record. “Over the next few months, we’ll be working hard to make a thorough review of the proposal and see if it’s the right fit for our community.”

If built, Fogdog’s facility could convert up to 50 tonnes of waste per day. Sylvan Lake produces 15 tonnes daily.

The facility would be located at Sylvan Lake’s current waste transfer station and would be subject to several conditions. They include leasing the land at market value, a tippage rate which doesn’t exceed $100 per tonne, no minimum waste volumes, and that the conversion refinery to turn the fluff into fuel be located elsewhere.

While a council report notes that Fogdog says their system will reduce greenhouse gases, be odourless and produce little noise, Town staff also note it could cause residents to be less motivated about recycling. They also note that instead of a milk jug, for example, being recycled into a new milk jug, recyclable products would now be turned into a non-renewable “dirty” fuel.

More is expected to be known later this spring about how the Town and Fogdog will proceed.

by Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

Sylvan Lake looks at converting waste into fluff

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