DYEC receives temporary emergency amendment to the Environmental Compliance Approval

Whitby, Ontario – In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Regional Municipalities of Durham and York (the Regions) have received a temporary emergency amendment to the Environmental Compliance Approval (ECA) at the Durham York Energy Centre (DYEC) to process an additional 2,000 tonnes of garbage, for an annual total of 142,000 tonnes of garbage until December 31, 2021. The ECA for the DYEC currently allows the facility to process up to a maximum of 140,000 tonnes per year. The DYEC, as currently constructed, can process up to an additional 20,000 tonnes of waste with the existing equipment while meeting the strict emissions limits set by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.

With waste generation rates continuing to be higher due to a significant number of residents remaining at home, both Durham and York Regions are seeing an increase in the amount of garbage being placed at the curb.

The Regions are completing an Environmental Screening Process and an ECA amendment to increase the annual processing capacity at the DYEC from 140,000 tonnes per year to 160,000 tonnes per year. Most recently, the Notice of Completion for this project was issued, marking the start of a 60-day comment period. The Regions anticipate completion of the Environmental Screening Process and subsequent ECA amendment during 2022.

Durham Region has and will continue to make changes to waste programs to ensure physical distancing and to protect collection and waste management workers. Changes at waste management facilities have also been implemented including allowing fewer residents to enter a facility at any given time.

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“A temporary emergency amendment to the Environmental Compliance Approval is required to process the increased volume of garbage we are seeing at the Durham York Energy Centre during this continued pandemic. Durham and York Regions continue to work with our contractors to ensure that the DYEC, as well as our other Regional facilities, can continue to meet the needs of the community while complying with all reporting and operational requirements associated with the various regulations and approvals. Given the pace at which the situation is evolving, Durham Region will continue to monitor and assess programs as needed.”

- Gioseph Anello, Director of Waste Management

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