Recycled concrete aggregate project must continue: Winnipeg
The project to see how the reuse of crushed concrete aggregates can be increased must continue through to completion, so the work on the roadbuilding specifications and collection of data inform good decisions, a Winnipeg Council committee has decided.
The examination of recycled concrete aggregates (RCAs) and work on the specifications were the focus of debate at the Infrastructure Renewal and Public Works Committee Feb. 8, as Public Works officials gave an update on construction season 2021’s experience.
“We are glad to see the committee members recognize that any conclusions or directions now, in the absence of the full picture, would be premature and likely not reflective of the evidence on the value of RCAs, not just to our roadbuilding program but to our responsibility as environmental stewards,” MHCA President Chris Lorenc said.
At the committee, Public Works recommended that the project proceed, because more data needed to be collected on the RCAs being produced, the analysis being done at the University of Manitoba and how the industry, in light of it all, can meet specifications.
The direction of the IRPW Committee was that the Public Service report was received as information, that the Public Service continue working with the Specification Review Committee in 2022 and then report on outcomes of that construction season in February 2023.
In speaking to his motion, Coun. Jeff Browaty noted he would like the environmental and resource management information – intended to give the full picture of the broader, sustainability considerations of RCAs – before making any final decision.
Councillor Browaty’ s motion was carried 3-1. Lorenc said he and IRPW Chair Coun. Matt Allard discussed the preliminary findings of the work to date and the continued work of the Spec Review Committee after the committee vote. They agreed to continue discussing, to better understand the industry’s perspective.
