The signature flare of gases from Cache Creek’s landfill is slated to be replaced this year by the thrum of engines converting methane to electrical energy.

Development of Cache Creek’s landfill industry is also continuing apace with word the province has signed off on an amendment to TNRD’s solid waste management plan.

That amendment will permit importation of trash to the Cache Creek landfill extension, a new landfill that will feature a double liner to prevent seepage.

Cache Creek mayor John Ranta said both developments bode well for continuation of the industry.

The next step is a vote by the TNRD board of directors Thursday to approve the amendment change, something expected to pass easily.

“We’ve got unanimous support in the local community for continuation of the industry.”

The current landfill is expected to be full by 2016. It has an expected operational life span of at least 50 years.

Ranta said a decision by operator Wastech to build three reciprocating engines that will burn methane collected from the original Cache Creek landfill is more good news for the community.

The development will cost about $9 million. Each engine will produce an estimated 1.4 megawatts of electricity from burning methane collected at the landfill. That energy is enough to power several thousand homes and is expected to keep producing for at least a decade.

The first engine is slated to be operating by this summer, Ranta said.

Ranta said the village is also determining whether it will seek to take over operation of the engines once Metro Vancouver is no longer involved in the landfill in 2016.