Formal investigation launched into possible contaminated fly ash shipment

The Ministry of Environment has launched a formal investigation into whether fly ash shipped to the Cache Creek Landfill from the Burnaby waste-to-energy facility in July and August, was hazardous.

Ministry officials said they remain confident there is no risk to public health or the environment.

“There is currently nothing to indicate any risk whatsoever to human health or environmental safety; however, any potential issue of non-compliance is something I take very seriously, and that is why we are conducting an investigation,” said Minister of Environment Terry Lake.

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Fly ash is the collected particulate matter that results from combustion gases being forced through fabric bags prior to being discharged into the environment.

Any hazardous ash must be removed and transported to another facility because the Cache Creek Landfill is not authorized for hazardous waste.

All ash currently being produced by the Burnaby incinerator is being transported to an authorized hazardous-waste facility in Alberta.

The investigation is being conducted by the ministry’s Environmental Protection Division offices in Kamloops and Surrey, and the Conservation Officer Service.