Durham-York Energy Centre in Clarington wins temporary increase to capacity

The Regions of Durham and York have received a temporary emergency amendment to the Environmental Compliance Approval (ECA) at the controversial Durham York Energy Centre (DYEC) in Courtice to process an additional 2,000 tonnes of garbage until year-end.

The extra 2,000 tonnes brings the facility’s maximum to 142,000 for the calendar year. The vast majority (110,000 tonnes) of the waste the DYEC receives is from Durham Region.

The ECA for the Durham-York Energy Centre currently allows the facility to process up to a maximum of 140,000 tonnes per year. The facility 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, which forced the two regions to request the amendment.

“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,” explained Gioseph Anello, Durham’s Waste Management Director. “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.”

The two upper tier municipalities are finalizing an Environmental Screening Process and an ECA amendment to increase the annual processing capacity at the DYEC 160,000 tonnes per year., though there is considerable opposition in the community to the increase. Most recently, the Notice of Completion for this project was issued, marking the start of a 60-day comment period. Completion of the process is expected sometime in 2022.