The proposed Rimrock Renewables biodigester project is moving forward in Foothills County.
The project was approved by Alberta Environment and Protected Areas (AEPA) in December 2023 for the construction, operation, and reclamation of the Foothills County waste management facility for the collection and processing of waste to produce fuel.
Following a public hearing on June 11, Foothills County Council approved an agricultural district to allow for the construction and operation of an anaerobic digester facility approximately 5 km west of the Town of High River.
The application was approved by a 5-1 vote, with Councillor RD McHugh in opposition.
“I see this as industrial use. It's hard to lump this in as agricultural operation and agricultural use,” McHugh said. “We're mixing apples and oranges here, and I really struggle with making this site-specific amendment as an agricultural use. It's a gas plant.”
During the public hearing, the council chamber was full of residents who raised concerns about the project, including impacts on water quality, air quality, and excess traffic.
Resident Sharron Cook expressed her concerns at the public hearing about air quality, in addition to water quality and quantity.
“This project is going to destroy the quality of life in our community and town, and what do we get for enduring the rancid feed lot smells, the increased traffic on our roads, and the unknown air pollution that will drift over our homes?” She said. “If Rimrock is allowed to use our resources, then we should benefit also after all.”
Garnet Dawes, P.Eng for ISL Engineering, presented goals of the project to the council during the public hearing.
“The Rimrock Renewable Anaerobic Digester Facility represents a significant step towards sustainable energy solutions and greenhouse gas reductions,” he said.
According to Dawes, the facility will adhere to strict odour abatement and complaint response protocols, ensuring minimal impact on the surrounding community.
“The benefits are substantial. By converting greenhouse gases into renewable energy, the facility not only supports agricultural land use policies but also contributes to diversification in energy sources,” he said. “The primary goal of the biodigester is to capture greenhouse gases and convert them into renewable natural gas.