Whitby, Ontario –

Clarington Fire Officials were called to respond to a fire today at the Durham York Energy Centre (DYEC). The facility has been shut down as per the standard operating procedures. At this time waste deliveries have been put on hold until a damage assessment is complete.

“There was a fire today at the Durham York Energy Centre,” said Susan Siopis, Commissioner of Works for The Regional Municipality of Durham. “The fire has been extinguished and thankfully there were no injuries or impact on the surrounding businesses. Local Clarington Fire Officials are on site and monitoring the situation. The owners and the facility operator, Covanta, will investigate the cause, which at this time is not known. As well, the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change was advised of the situation and that there were no releases to the environment.”
 
The Region, and the facility operator, Covanta, will investigate the cause of the fire, and assess if there was any damage to the facility. An update will be provided once additional details are available.

The Durham York Energy Centre, located in Courtice, is Durham Region’s primary long-term disposal option for waste and only processes the household waste remaining after Durham and York Regions’ aggressive composting, recycling and reuse programs. Both regions are leaders in waste diversion with diversion rates consistently above 50 per cent. For more information on the Durham York Energy Centre, visit www.durhamyorkwaste.ca, call 1-800-667-5671, or email info@durhamyorkwaste.ca.

- 30 -

For more information, please contact Corporate Communications.