Thank you to everyone who recently came out in support in person and online (watch here, starting at 42:22) to learn how individuals and community groups can speak to their neighbours and local governments about impactful and proven solutions to addressing climate change that can most significantly reduce GHG’s in their communities.
The presentation was led by community-based volunteers, Frances Litman, founder of the Creatively United for the Planet Non-profit Society (CreativelyUnited.org), and Dr. Jonathan O’Riordan, a member of the Esquimalt Climate Organizers (ECO) and a Creatively United board member.
They each made 10-minute public presentations to the Township of Esquimalt that outlined a number of steps Esquimalt Council (and other councils) can take to approve a new, carbon-free waste reduction project, available world-wide, at no expense to taxpayers with potential rebates starting at $200 per household, that can greatly reduce GHG’s by up to 45% and provide clean energy that does not involve emissions and is free of fossil fuels. Other added benefits, is clean biochar, a soil fertilizer that is an emerging market.
These presentations outline a number of steps Esquimalt Council (and other councils) can take to approve a fossil fuel waste reduction project, available world-wide, at no expense to taxpayers with potential rebates starting at $200 per household and numerous other benefits as well.
Dr. O’Riordan, now retired, was a former Assistant Deputy Minister of the BC Ministry of Environment (1989-2001); and Deputy Minister of the BC Ministry of Sustainable Resource Management (2001-2004). He has drafted the Provincial government policies supporting zero waste management through Integrated Resource Management and carbon reduction and recycling.
Brief synopsis: In 2019, residents rallied to have the Township of Esquimalt, BC declare a climate emergency. Integrated resource management (IRM) using proven advanced technology to treat municipal solid waste was shown to be the only solution to significantly reduce Esquimalt’s GHGs and could result in a potential 27-45% carbon reduction.
Pivotal IRM consultants were hired by the Township who confirmed these estimates. Their initial feasibility report was released publicly in late 2019. There was a public review of the report with 85% public support.
A second report, released September 2023, provided the business case for financing the project at no expense to taxpayers with the potential for a $200-$500 rebate per household. There has been no public engagement by the Esquimalt Township regarding this report. The total taxpayers bill for both reports was $150,000. Esquimalt staff recommended not to proceed with the project at a September 25, 2023 Council meeting, despite the win/win for residents, the Township and our region as a whole. They were over-ruled by council, due to Creatively United’s and the Esquimalt Climate Organizers efforts.
This project, also known as an advanced gasifier, is NOT incineration, does not involve any use of fossil fuels, and converts waste into valuable outputs such as renewable heat (to displace fossil-based natural gas) and biochar soil fertilizer. No methane is produced or burned in the process.
The Township of Esquimalt, like other communities, could divert 94% of all its waste from the landfill, avoiding tipping fees and help prevent the loss of trees for landfill expansion. As well, there are potential revenues of $188 million in net profit for the Township over 30 years. Esquimalt could lead the way in showing what is possible for other municipalities in Canada. There are many examples of the benefits of this waste management system operating successfully in the world.
To ensure fossil fuel companies don’t confuse the public and step in to demand their technology is used, individuals and communities need to know there is a carbon-free alternative with huge benefits to all. Fact Sheets and PowerPoint Presentations are available for others to use in their communities. Please notify, info@creativelyunited.org if you are interested in learning more.
Please send Letters of Support for this advanced gasifier project to the following Township of Esquimalt email addresses:
Barb Desjardins, Mayor <barb.desjardins@esquimalt.ca>
Ken Armour <ken.armour@esquimalt.ca>
Andrea Boardman <andrea.boardman@esquimalt.ca>
Duncan Cavens <duncan.cavens@esquimalt.ca>
Jacob Helliwell <jacob.helliwell@esquimalt.ca>
Tim Morrison <tim.morrison@esquimalt.ca>
Darlene Rotchford <darlene.rotchford@esquimalt.