Cache Creek landfill approval delayed

An error by the province in failing to consult with a Nicola Valley First Nation will mean a delay for Cache Creek's landfill approval.

Cache Creek mayor John Ranta said the Environmental Assessment Office was supposed to submit an application for an operating certificate to the ministers of Environment and Community Development on behalf of landfill operator Belcorp Industries on Dec. 16.

But Ranta said he recently got an update from the Environmental Assessment Office stating it had erred by failing to consult with the Lower Nicola Indian Band.

It has since acknowledged the error and sent documents to the band, which has until the end of the month to respond.

But band chief Don Moses said Monday he objects to the time frame given to respond to hundreds of pages of technical documentation. Belcorp – which has an agreement with the nearby Bonaparte Indian Band and Ashcroft Indian Band – wants to expand the landfill so it can serve as a home for Lower Mainland waste for decades.

"We object to the time frame," Moses said. "It's such a big issue with First Nations and the people around Cache Creek.

While the company has agreement with the two neighbouring bands, other First Nations oppose it. They include Nlaka'pamux Tribal Council and Lower Nicola band.

Moses said the band was set against Highland Valley Copper's now-dormant proposal for a landfill on its rock dumps and is also opposed to making Cache Creek larger.

"There's an overlap there," he said of traditional territories of competing Nlaka'pamux and Secwepemc First Nations. "Our main concern is the environment."

Moses said the band will send its reply opposing the expansion to the Minister of Environment by the middle of January.

There are also five pending appeals to the Environmental Appeal Board of the certificate, including from Nlaka'pamux Tribal Council as well as individuals.

Despite the challenges and delays Ranta said he is confident the landfill can take Metro Vancouver's waste. With recent approval of a small annex, the landfill has enough space to operate to at least 2012. At stake are 120 jobs in Cache Creek and surrounding communities.

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