Provincial Oversight (AEPA)
Alberta Environment and Protected Areas (AEPA) is the lead authority for regulating landfills and composting facilities. This includes:
- Classifying facilities
- Issuing operating approvals
- Ensuring compliance with environmental standards
Compost facilities processing more than 20,000 tonnes per year are classified as Class I and require approval under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (EPEA). These approvals are based on the Code of Practice for Compost Facilities, which governs design, operation, and reclamation. Additional site-specific conditions may also apply.
Even with existing approvals, any changes or expansions must receive new authorization from AEPA to ensure continued compliance.
Think of it like building a house—you need both a development permit and safety codes permits. Landfill and Compost facilities require both municipal approval and AEPA authorization for the operation and any modifications.
Municipal Role in Development Permits
Municipal and provincial approvals work together but regulate different aspects:
These documents guide where facilities can be located, ensuring they align with local planning and community goals.
Land Use District: LC (Landfill & Composting)
The facility operates within the LC District, created prior to 1998 to manage landfill and compost development. This district aligns with definitions under Alberta’s EPEA and Waste Control Regulation, excluding biomedical waste.
Under the LUB, land uses in this district fall into two categories:
- Permitted Uses (legally must be approved if they meet LUB rules) include:
- Compost Facilities – Class I & II
- Landfills – Class II & III
- Discretionary Uses (reviewed case-by-case) include:
- Heavy Industrial
- Landfills – Class I
- Oilfield Waste Facilities
- Major Transportation Uses
