An increase in organic waste diversion, a degraded biofilter, calm winds and, perhaps, media reports such as this one, have all apparently contributed to a spike in complaints of odour emanating from the Harvest Power composting and waste-to-energy plant in east Richmond.
As such, the City of Richmond will be requesting that Metro Vancouver regional government implement more streamlined odour control regulations for composting facilities throughout the region.
A Richmond city council committee approved the request, via a city staff report, on Monday.
Harvest Power takes used soil, garden waste and food scraps and turns them into fertile soil while burning off biogas to generate electricity.
To date, the city has received 60 identifiable complaints this year concerning the smell that emits from the plant and wafts over Lulu Island.
The report states there are several reasons for the complaints. First, Harvest Power is handling more organic waste since the organics ban from multi-family garbage bins went into effect July 1. Second, degraded biofilters at the plant may be playing a role in the noticeable increase in odour. Third, calm winds this fall and temperature inversions have allowed odours to linger in the vicinity of the plant. The report also notes complaints go up when odour issues are reported by the media.
The report states Harvest Power has recently undertaken steps to fix its underperforming biofilter and biodigester.
It’s also noted that Harvest Power has an air quality permit from Metro Vancouver. However, other, smaller nearby compost (organic waste) facilities do not. The city wants all such facilities in the region, however big or small, to require permits so that odours and complaints can be better managed.
