Comox Strathcona Waste Management is reminding neighbours of the Comox Valley Waste Management Centre that flames from the landfill’s flaring station are just part of regular operations and there is no need to be alarmed.
“A gas collection system and flare were installed last year to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at the Comox Valley Waste Management Centre as we work on decommissioning the old landfill and transition towards a new facility,” explained James Mathers, Senior Manager of Comox Strathcona Waste Management Centre services. “The gas flare is an interim solution as we continue to explore sustainable long-term uses for landfill gas.”
Flaring has been occurring over the past year at the landfill but has not become visible until recently when trees began to lose their leaves for winter. Around this time, local fire departments began receiving calls about the flare from concerned residents. Comox Strathcona Waste Management is taking this opportunity to remind its neighbours that if they see a single flame with no large plumes of smoke, odours or any other signs of fire, they are likely observing the gas flare.
The public will have limited visibility of the flare from the recycling drop-off area at the Comox Valley Waste Management Centre and Bevan Road. The gas flare is located between the active landfill and the Comox Valley Regional District’s biosolids composting facility.