January 15, 2008
(Red Deer, Alberta) – Plans are underway for a gasification plant in central Alberta but The City wants to hear what Red Deer residents think about the project before they move forward.
Gasification uses waste that would normally go into a landfill which in turn generates electricity and captures CO2 to be virtually emission-free. It reduces landfill needs substantially and generates not only power but also revenue from the sale of electricity and other by-products.
“Our existing landfill is state of the art but The City is committed to exploring green initiatives and new ways of doing business, especially where there is potential for benefit to the environment,” said Paul Goranson, Director of Development Services.
The City of Red Deer is a member of The Central Waste Management Commission and in October 2007 agreed in principle to work with Plasco Energy Group and move forward with the development of a gasification plant.
“Gasification will not eliminate the need for our existing landfill but any waste that can be diverted will extend its lifespan and help us be more sustainable into the future,” said Goranson.
Next steps for The City include finalizing details of a 20 year membership with the Central Waste Management Commission. The City must determine the amount of solid waste they will divert to the gasification plant.
Draft plans propose approximately 10,000 tonnes of solid waste be diverted from The City landfill to the gasification plant. This is only a portion of the required volume with the remainder coming from the other members of the commission, which includes Red Deer County, Bentley, Blackfalds, Bowden, Eckville, Innisfail, Lacombe, Lacombe County, Penhold, Sylvan Lake, Alix, Clive, Delburne and Elnora.
The Central Waste Management Commission, in cooperation with The City of Red Deer, will hold a public open house on Saturday, January 26 from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Prairie Pavilion at Westerner Park.
“This is residents’ opportunity to voice their opinions and tell us what they think about gasification and The City’s level of commitment before an agreement is finalized,” said Goranson. “We encourage everyone to come and find out more about gasification before we move forward with the development of this new and innovative technology.”
For more information see the Q & A Backgrounder.
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For more information, please contact:
Paul Goranson
The City of Red Deer
Director of Development Services
(403) 342-8158
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