Hot Rod or Earth Flow?

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However, after analyzing updated estimates on how much organic waste is currently being produced, the original plan for a single Hot Rod no longer looks sufficient, according to manager of environment and parks planning Carla Skuce

Using the 2018 total of 540 tonnes of waste volume, the feasibility study predicted a 10 tonne annual increase But last year Bowen’s number was 675 tonnes of organic waste, a mark that wasn’t planned to be hit until 2031/32.

“Part of the issue is that we had very little data to go off of, but we ’ ve also had a significant population growth With Covid and everyone staying home there was a large increase in the green waste volume,” says Skuce

Along with collections from the FireSmart program, yard waste, and cardboard, the estimated annual volume stands at 790 tonnes Hot Rods have yearly capacity of between 800 to 900 tonnes, which Skuce says means proceeding with the original plan would already but the OICF at or over capacity.

Skuce presented a pair of solutions, one of which would abandon the Hot Rod plan in favour of a compost system

from Green Mountain Technologies known as ‘Earth Flow’

This equipment had actually gathered favour from the working group, but not pursued because of fears over odour control. Skuce says the Earth Flow would now be placed in an air-tight building, so smells – or other environmental concerns such as runoff – shouldn’t be a problem

A single Earth Flow can process about 1,300 tonnes of waste a year, with the ability to one day modify the composter to double its capacity. Cost-wise the building and equipment is estimated to cost $1,230,940, with BIM’s share of the project at $306,210.

The other alternative would be purchasing a pair of Hot Rods. Skuce estimates this method would run significantly more expensive at $2,406,740, which would increased the municipality’s contribution almost $1 million to $1,287,474. The Clean BC grant can cover a maximum of $1,019,266, and the Knick Knack Nook’s portion is $100,000 regardless of the equipment chosen.

Given this information council approved $5,000 for staff to begin consultation with Green Mountain Technologies to plans – sending the design and environmental requests for further deliberation could delay the end product

“The process that we ’ ve gone through was to look at the program and space requirements, and to work with the design consultant team on the various site and building configurations to provide that space How that building is delivered – whether it’s a purpose built structure… or if it’s delivered as a pre-fabricated or modular type construction – those are construction methods and details that could come out through the remaining detailed design process, ” said Graham

“That was the intention of requesting the $190,000 right away, ” he added, noting whatever decision is reached the final request would still go through the usual budget process

Council voted 6-1 to accept Leonard’s reconsideration, with Coun. Sue Ellen Fast in dissent

“I think this project is really important I think staff can bring us the cost savings I’m concerned that this motion could delay things,” said Fast

Further financial discussions about fixes to the service yard, along with any necessary work at the Salal Road public works site, will now be held during this year ’ s budget process

The Finance Advisory Committee will also review the project’s plans see if the Earth Flow would be a viable solution for the OICF site These discussions will also fulfill the grant requirement for a “substantial start” to the project by a Feb 20 deadline

Once a decision is made, the Earth Flow system is expected to take around three to four months to arrive, while the pair of Hot Rods would be about seven months out The grant also stipulates the OICF must be completed by March 31, 2024.