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Landfill Changes
In order to extend the life of our landfill, and plan for the Town’s future waste needs, the Town of Drayton Valley will be implementing some changes to the Aspen Waste Management Facility.
At the end of 2018, the Town issued a Request for Information on alternative landfill technology in order to obtain options for the future of waste management. Six submissions were received and after review the Town decided to move forward with an aerobic technology. This system will create a sustainable future for the landfill, and help offset costs from the necessary development of a new cell, and closure and post closure maintenance costs legislated by the provincial government.
Why do we have to change our landfill?
At present, our landfill only has a life expectancy of 12 years.
What’s an aerobic system?
An aerobic aeration system uses injected air to speed up decomposition time and eliminate leachate and methane production. Then once the organics are broken down and stable, 90-95% of the remaining materials can be mined and either stored or re-purposed. The reclaimed land is safe to be re-used for future landfill purposes.
How will this be set up?
In all future landfill scenarios, the construction of one additional cell is required in order to manage the incoming waste. This cell will also serve to manage waste while the aeration system is set up. The upfront capital investment in the aeration system, and increased operating costs will be offset through the sale of carbon credits, grants, and private investment. This technology has been approved for use by Alberta Environment and Parks, and is an opportunity for the Town to create a sustainable landfill operation.
What are the advantages?
- Work can be completed while existing operations continue
- System can reclaim old cells then be used in new cells
- Opportunity for future economic driver
- Carbon credits draw interest of private investment
- AB Environment has approved this technology in the past
What are the disadvantages?
- No active examples in Alberta
- Cell must be constructed to get through the aeration and mining phase
- Mined materials many not have a market
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