Fire at Durham York Energy Centre: Update #2

Whitby, Ontario –

Whitby, Ont. – The Regional Municipality of Durham would like to advise residents that the initial assessment of fire damage at the Durham York Energy Centre (DYEC) has been completed by JADE+, a consultant hired by the operator Covanta. The consultant’s report confirms damages were limited to a small area of the roof, with no damage to the main structural components of the roof or the rest of the facility. Based on these findings, boiler #2 returned to full operating capacity and began processing waste at around 7:30 a.m. today.

The report, by JADE+ (the operator, Covanta’s consultant) also concludes that the fire appears to have started where the steam pipe penetrates the roof deck, when the insulation and rubber roofing membrane caught on fire. The report also determined that the repairs will require the replacement of some damaged roof deck material.

The Regions of Durham and York will provide an update into the investigation as further information becomes available.

The Durham York Energy Centre, located in Courtice, is Durham Region’s primary long-term disposal option for waste and only processes the household waste remaining after Durham and York Regions’ aggressive composting, recycling and reuse programs. Both regions are leaders in waste diversion with diversion rates consistently above 50 per cent. For more information on the Durham York Energy Centre, visit www.durhamyorkwaste.ca, call 1-800-667-5671, or email info@durhamyorkwaste.ca.

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For more information, please contact Corporate Communications.