A proposal to turn part of a 6,000-hectare copper mine into a landfill has just been given the green light for an environmental assessment. The garbage dump would bury 250,000 metric tons of garbage from 25 local communities annually.
"The Highland Valley Copper mine proposal was first made several years ago, when Metro Vancouver was looking for a long-term solution for its garbage-disposal problem. But last spring Metro shifted direction, with a new solid-waste management plan that calls for its garbage to be burned in several waste-to-energy facilities, negating the need for a new landfill.
The mine dump site would have a triple lining as a barrier against seepage, a process for reclaiming methane gas to fuel garbage trucks, and enough capacity to collect garbage for more than 130 years.
The proposal has support from some Indian bands in the area, but not others."
"[Chief David Walkem of Cooks Ferry Indian Band] said Metro Vancouver is showing the right approach by planning to handle its garbage locally, and other communities should do the same."
FULL STORY: Open-pit garbage dump idea revived

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
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MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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