The recent decision by Rocky View County (RVC) council to shut down Thorlakson’s Nature’s Call (TNC) Compost Facility, east of Airdrie, will have zero impact on Cochrane's organics collection program.

"There will not be an impact to the town or our residents," says Rick Deans, senior manager of Infrastructure Services. "Cochranites can expect their compost collection service to continue as usual."

GFL Environmental, the town's collection contractor, has a number of alternative locations available for the disposal of the organics, he says, which the company owns and manages.

"We are confident they'll adjust where they bring our compost material accordingly," says Deans.

The town's contract with GFL Environmental only specifies the material must be taken to an approved site.

On June 11, RVC council directed the TNC Compost Facility to cease receipt of new compost materials and to clean up any onsite feedstock and materials within 90 days.

Opponents to the facility, united under the name "Stop and Stench," staged a protest in front of the RVC Building during Monday's council meeting. They have been widely voicing opposition to the proposed expansion of the compost and manure storage facilities. RVC council's swift and extensive action exceeded their expectations.

Representatives of the compost facility say they will be contesting the decision.

Cochrane organics started to be delivered to the TNC Compost Facility in March because of its proximity to Cochrane and to help minimize the carbon footprint, says Deans.