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Metro Vancouver taking aim at stink created by pot growers

Metro Vancouver is taking a crack at regulating emissions from marijuana growing operations that are causing a stink.
pot
Delta council has received a letter complaining about the dank odour emanating from an East Ladner greenhouse that made the switch to cannabis.

Metro Vancouver is taking a crack at regulating emissions from marijuana growing operations that are causing a stink.

The first phase of consultation on the regional district’s proposed Emission Regulation for Cannabis Production and Processing Operations Discussion Paper has been taking place this summer and is to conclude Sept. 30. The region notes all feedback received will be compiled and presented to the Metro Vancouver board for consideration.

The discussion paper points out a number of greenhouses formerly used for vegetable production have been retrofitted for cannabis production, yet were not designed or constructed to collect and treat air contaminants.

“Metro Vancouver as well as member municipalities have received complaints about odorous emissions from cannabis production operations. Information from other jurisdictions in which cannabis is produced suggests that potential environmental impacts related to air quality, solid waste management, water consumption and wastewater discharges could occur,” the report explains. “Cannabis production has the potential to cause negative air quality impacts if emissions are not adequately controlled.”

A Delta staff response to a recent letter to Delta council complaining about the odour from an East Ladner greenhouse that made the switch to cannabis notes cannabis growing facilities are regulated by Health Canada and Delta has been actively petitioning for enforcement to prevent the escape of odours. Mayor George Harvie also raised the issue with Delta MP Carla Qualtrough.

At a recent meeting of Delta’s community livability advisory committee, it was noted Metro Vancouver’s proposed regulations would apply to facilities smaller than 50,000 square metres, but because several Delta greenhouses are larger than that, staff recommend the regulations should apply to all cannabis production facilities regardless of size.

The public can provide feedback to the region’s discussion paper through AQBylaw@metrovancouver.org or by calling 604-432-6200.