The Government of Canada Invests in Innovative Pilot Project for Sustainable Waste Management

State of the Art Technology is an Environmentally Friendly Way to Reduce Waste in the City of Iqaluit

IQALUIT, NU, April 8, 2014 /CNW/ - Office of the Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor), and Minister for the Arctic Council.

Minister Aglukkaq today announced funding for a pilot project that could change the way waste is managed in Nunavut. The Micro Auto Gasification System (MAGS) is a new, state-of-the-art technology that significantly reduces the volume of processed waste by thermally decomposing solid waste and oils.

What remains after processing is a solid carbon material approximately eight per cent in weight of the total waste treated, and a synthesis gas which is used as the main fuel source for the MAGS. This means the device is virtually self-sustainable in terms of energy usage. The device also produces excess thermal energy in the form of hot water or hot air which could be used to heat nearby buildings. The MAGS unit is capable of processing up to 500 kilograms of solid waste or waste oils on a daily basis.

Quick Facts

• CanNor's investment of $350,000, along with $151,500 in funding from the City of Iqaluit will go towards purchasing, pre-setup and design work  leading to the MAGS installation in Iqaluit.
• If successful, the system could become an alternative to the City's landfill which is already at life capacity and similar units could potentially be used in other communities and at mining camps across the three territories.
• The MAGS is expected to arrive via sealift and be installed by end of Summer 2014.

Quotes

"Our Government is proud to contribute to projects that support strong, sustainable and prosperous northern communities," said Minister Aglukkaq. "In collaboration with the City of Iqaluit, this investment encourages both innovation and sustainable growth for the territory."

Leona Aglukkaq
Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, and Minister for the Arctic Council

"The City of Iqaluit appreciates the support of CanNor in funding the MAGS Pilot Project for our community," said Mayor Graham. "This is a first step for the City in achieving the goal to be a leader in Northern waste management practices by identifying and implementing solutions that maximize waste diversion and minimize environmental impacts."

John Graham
Mayor, City of Iqaluit

SOURCE: Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor)

Office of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq
Ted Laking
819-997-1441

Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
Craig Welsh
Communications Advisor, Nunavut Region
867-975-3722

CanNor works to help develop a diversified, sustainable and dynamic economy across Canada's three territories, and delivers on its northern mandate through funding programs, the Northern Projects Management Office and by undertaking policy and research.

City of Iqaluit
Eva Michael
Communications Officer
867-975-8525

For more information about CanNor, visit cannor.gc.ca

For more information on Canada's Northern Strategy, visit: northernstrategy.ca