According to University of British Columbia, emissions from a proposed waste incinerator in Metro Vancouver can be harmful for human health.

The Fraser Valley Regional District that conducted the air-quality study, presents "serious" concerns about burning waste.

Ian McKendry, a Professor in UBC's Geography Department, said, "Given forecast population growth, rising background pollutant levels and global climate change, the addition of any new sources of combustion in the Lower Mainland, including mass burn waste incineration, is simply not advisable".

Metro Vancouver's Air Quality Division Manager, Roger Quan did not argue that incineration creates emissions, but said that the net effect on air quality would be fewer emissions since an incinerator also generates energy.

McKendry does not call for any new sources of incineration due to mounting global pollution.

Patricia Ross, Chairman of the Fraser Valley Regional District, said that she is concerned about the pollution produced by incinerators as well as the susceptibility of the Fraser Valley's agricultural lands. Metro Vancouver's solid waste management plan would require approval from the Ministry of Environment.

The Ministry of Environment said, "Any new solid waste facility, including proposed waste-to-energy, would need to undergo a thorough environmental assessment and be subject to regulatory approval before it could be built".