The Squamish dump is becoming a popular place. Pemberton is asking the District of Squamish for permission to use their landfill, and the garbage collecting company contracted by Whistler may soon make a request of their own, according to Chief Administrative Officer Kim Anema.
With a charge of $80 per ton, the deal could generate revenue for the district, "the jury's still out," said Anema.
Council decided to consider Pemberton's request during the Tuesday (June 28) council meeting. Whistler announced the closure of its landfill leaving Pemberton to find another site for its solid waste, so they're turning to Squamish as a viable and convenient option. Councilor Corinne Lonsdale said the answer is obvious.
"If Whistler closes their landfill, as good neighbours we don't have much choice but to take it," she said. "It won't cost us at the end of the day."
But Anema said that it's still unknown whether or not it would be of economic benefit to the district. The reason for doubt lies in recycling subsidies that are slated to expire in two years. It's unknown whether the expiring of these agreements will impact the cost of the use of the landfill.
But whether or not Squamish becomes an alternative landfill, it will only be on an interim basis because changes must be made to meet regulations - at a cost of approximately $2 million - or it will be shut down. The current waste management plan describes operations until 2008, and an alternate plan for the dump can be drafted by the spring of 2006 at the earliest, said Anema.
