Ecco Recycling landfill fire grew from waste piling up despite owner's claim

The Ecco Recycling landfill fire that started September 6 grew from a slope where large amounts of waste accumulated between late April and August—contradicting the company's assertion that it stopped accepting material in 2024.

LiDAR survey imagery from April 28 shows relatively little waste along the eastern slope. Drone footage captured August 11 shows substantial piles present on the same slope. By September 16, smoke was billowing from the eastern slope of the landfill mound. The footage does not establish where the material came from or who deposited it; Ecco Recycling president Alec McDougall said in a September 11 statement the site has not accepted any new material since 2024, and the company did not immediately respond to questions about movement of material within the property.

Concerns about Ecco's operations surfaced long before the fire. Quarry Park developer Randy Remington raised alarms in May with Alberta Environment and Protected Areas, warning that waste piling up "basically being created in the parking lot across the street from development" posed a fire risk. "It's inevitable when you have that much material there that's left not covered," he said. Minister Grant Hunter directed the department to increase inspections at the site.

Earlier complaints had gone to the province. Gary Wilson, former general manager at Ecco from 2012 to 2014, said he raised concerns as early as 2023, providing an EPA compliance officer with information alleging the landfill was not complying with provincial height and slope requirements. Drone measurements indicated portions exceeded the height allowed under provincial approval by roughly eight metres. The ministry issued a warning letter for height exceedances and imposed a $3,000 administrative penalty related to Ecco "interfering with an inspector."

Since mid-June, 10 unannounced inspections confirmed Ecco was back in compliance with height requirements. The province announced Tuesday it is reviewing provincial waste-storage regulations to determine where stronger regulatory oversight may be warranted. Provincial standards require landfill operators to take measures to control hazards and nuisances including fires; Ecco's approval to operate a Class III landfill includes a requirement to construct an "earthen fire break" within each active landfill.