After successfully completing its three-year pilot project last month, energy company Plasco is seeking a commercial license to set up a permanent operation in Ottawa.
Plasco has been operating from a facility on Trail Road since January 2007, when it began a pilot project to turn waste into energy. The plant uses high heat and converts 400 tonnes of garbage a day into 20 megawatts of energy, enough to power 7, 000 homes.
But before the company can go ahead with its plans, it must prove that it won't harm the environment. It's been attacked in the past for emitting nitrogen oxide and methane gases.
Plasco Chief Executive Officer Rod Bryden said any environmental issues have been fixed.
The province is now checking to make sure the operation will be environmentally sound.
When CTV asked if the project could be considered a failure without a commercial license Bryden said yes. "It's like saying if ice were not cold, should you consider it warm?"
Company officials are holding a series of public meetings to educate the public on plans for a permanent facility. The next meeting will be held in the upcoming weeks.
