The questions we see most often are regarding our composting facilities – who approved it and why wasn’t the community consulted on it. Given the importance of this issue in the community, we decided our next blog post should be on this topic.
Where it all began
Discussions on development of a composting facility happened before Claystone even existed. As part of the initial Business Plan developed in April 2020, Beaver Municipal Services (BMS) recognized waste diversion – specifically organic waste – was a growing trend in the waste industry. Understanding the potential impacts, BMS included development of a compost facility at the landfill as one of the key priorities for the soon-to-be-formed Claystone Waste Ltd. to ensure the financial viability of the landfill.
Moving forward with compost
Claystone was incorporated as a municipally controlled corporation (MCC) in August 2020, and work began on the transition from BMS to a new corporation. Once the dust settled, it was time to start initiating the approved action plan, including the research for development of a compost facility. By 2022, Claystone was in a position to start moving ahead.
The complete summary of engagement is included at the end of this post.
Authority and approvals
Landfill and compost facilities are governed by two levels of government: municipal for land use and development, and provincial for approval and regulation of the activity.
Although often referred to as “the Ryley landfill,” the actual name is the Beaver Regional Landfill and it is located within Beaver County. That means it is under the County’s jurisdiction for land use development. This includes ensuring the proposed activity is permitted within the area of the land use district as outlined in the Land Use Bylaw and providing development permits for construction.
In the case of the compost facility, the proposed development was within the County’s Landfill and Composting District, and development of a compost facility was appropriate for that area. Before approving the development permit for construction, Claystone’s application was circulated to adjacent landowners and Claystone had to engage with the public. A summary of that engagement is included below.
Handling of waste is governed by Alberta Environment and Protected Areas (AEPA) through the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act. In order to start processing organic material through a compost facility rather than just disposing it in the landfill, Claystone had to submit an application to AEPA for their review and approval. AEPA also requires public notification through newspaper advertising, included in the summary of engagement.
Summary of Compost Facility Approvals
- August 27, 2020: AEPA approval to process compost (<20,000 tonnes per year)
- September 29, 2022: Alberta Transportation Permit
- October 20, 2022: AEPA Authorization to Construct (<20,000 tonnes per year)
- November 16, 2022: Beaver County approval for construction of a compost facility
- March 15, 2024: AEPA approval to increase compost volume (>20,000 tonnes per year)
- May 9, 2025: Beaver County development permit for expansion of compost facility
- October 2025: AEPA authorization for cure pad expansion design for active use (pending)
Summary of Public Engagement (2022 – 2025)
Public Engagement – COMPOST:
- Presentation to Beaver County GPC on September 28, 2022
- Public Information Session held on October 4, 2022, at Claystone Boardroom
- Public Advisory Committee (PAC) meeting held on November 8, 2022, focused on a Compost 101 presentation and gave the PAC more background on compost in general as well as specific information on the operating plans for the Claystone facility.
- Second Public Information session held on November 15, 2022, in Claystone’s Boardroom to provide the community with the opportunity to learn about Claystone’s plans for the proposed compost facility to be built at the Beaver Regional Landfill and have their questions answered. This session was advertised in the local papers (Chronicle) and on social media. The CAOs received an invitation to share with their respective councils. Municipal members placed the info on their websites and distributed through their various channels (e.g. Tofield Chamber of Commerce).
The breakdown of attendees for November 15, 2022 Information Session
- 1 resident who came to the original meeting on October 4, 2022
- 2 PAC members
- 3 municipal members
- 5 others (includes spouses of some of the above)
- 1 reporter from the Weekly Review
- 3 staff
Directly impacted property owners
- Regular engagement with directly impacted residential property owners impacted by compost odours (in person, telephone, email) including development of strategy to address concerns.
Concerns received in 2022
Beaver County received the following concerns in 2022:
- Operator of a business in the Equity Industrial Park), concerned about potential odour, but stated that the use is appropriate on a landfill site.
- Area resident concerned about odour, disease, pollution, pathogens, and deleterious elements.
Summary of Communications
- Updates shared on website, media releases
- Posters, FAQs, and other information on composting
- Compost facility updates as part of the 2023 Open House
- Compost operations as part of 2024 Open House tour
- Media coverage (2022 and 2024)
- Dedicated section on composting on website including updated FAQs
- Enhanced odor complaint program including online reporting form
- Regular updates with regional CAOs, Councils
AEPA Requirements for Public Notice – expansion:
First expansion (increased tonnage > 20,000 tonnes):
- Notice was posted as required in the Tofield Mercury and additionally in the Viking Weekly Review, both on November 8, 2023.
- March 15, 2024: AEPA approval to accept more than 20,000 tonnes per year (498160-00-00)
- Claystone Waste announces expansion of composting capabilities to support growing communities (April 2024)
Second expansion (compost pad expansion):
- Notice was posted as required by AEPA in the Tofield Mercury on August 6, 2025
Beaver County Requirements
“Although a composting facility is a Permitted Use and there are limited grounds for appeal, the Land Use Bylaw requires that the application be circulated to adjacent landowners.”
Visit the Beaver County website for more information on oversight and approvals.
There were also several posts on social media from Claystone and Beaver County. CAOs were invited to share information, and in the Village of Holden.
Claystone also posted an announcement on our website, and a news release shared through Newswire, which was picked up by the Financial Post among other newspapers, and was covered by CBC news, including interviews with area residents.
Media coverage:
Social posts:
There were multiple posts on the Claystone Facebook page starting in 2022 regarding the compost facility.
