Powell River Regional District board directors are disapproving of a burner being built in the vicinity of Powell River airport.
During the February board meeting, Russell Brewer, City of Powell River director, said he opposed the initiative at a previous committee of the whole meeting because of concerns he raised about the proximity of the burning to the airport. CaroleAnn Leishman, the other city director, forwarded the information to Tor Birtig, the city’s director of infrastructure, after the committee of the whole meeting.
“They weren’t aware of the application,” Brewer said. “He raised some points regarding Transport Canada requirements with respect to exhaust plumes in proximity to airports, so I’m reluctant to send this in to the ministry of environment saying we have no objection. The city has not had the opportunity to review the application, especially as it relates to airport safety.
“I’m not sure what we could do; perhaps request an extension for the feedback period or request it be referred to the city for feedback.”
The recommendation from the committee of the whole meeting was that the board direct staff to provide the ministry of environment with a letter stating it does not object to the proposed permit application by T&R Contracting Ltd.
Colin Palmer, Electoral Area C director, questioned why the regional district received the application.
Stan Gisborne, Electoral Area B director, said the regional district received the information because he had spoken with the applicant and suggested the proponent make an application to the regional district’s planning committee.
“He didn’t have to,” Gisborne said.
Palmer said then really, the applicant is just dealing with the ministry of environment.
“The vote here is a bit superfluous anyway,” he added. “This is not a referral.”
Palmer said the city directors have a city interest, which is valid.
Leishman said the motion reads the board has no objection to the permit application but there are concerns with visibility in the flight path to the airport.
Gisborne said the proposed air curtain burning is an improvement over what is happening now. He said land clearing debris, such as stumps, are open burned, but with the request, there is more control over burning because it is inside a container and can only be operated at certain times. For example, the air index must meet a certain standard before burning is allowed.
“I don’t think there will be a problem with the flight path in any way,” Gisborne said.
Patrick Brabazon, board chair and Electoral Area A director, said he thought Brewer and Leishman had raised valid concerns. He added that Gisborne pointed out that the regional board did not need to deal with the issue in the first place. Also, Palmer pointed out that the vote is irrelevant because the provincial authorities are going to do what they do, according the Brabazon.
“If we vote yay on this, then we send in a letter and are actually sticking an oar in an area where perhaps it shouldn’t be and didn’t need to be in the first place,” Brabazon said. “It isn’t going to help the city with objections if they wish to make any. I would recommend that the board simply defeat the motion and let the city deal with the ministry of environment.”
Gisborne voted in favour of the motion but the rest of the board voted against so the motion was defeated.
