Yorkregion.com - Editorials - Independent review of Halton must put end to ordeal
Independent review of Halton must put end to ordeal
Editorials
Mar 20, 2008 08:26 AM
Halton Recycling is back in the news this week, which is really no news at all for most Newmarket and area residents.
This time, however, there just might be a glimmer of hope for residents who have been gagging on odours eminating from the plant for at least four years.
The Harry Walker Parkway business handles green bin organic waste, including what comes in to Newmarket from Toronto.
At a cost of $1.8 million, nearly 20,000 tonnes of Toronto’s green bin waste was processed by Halton last year. Because of odour issues the company has failed to correct, however, it is restricted to operating at 10-per-cent capacity.
In light of continued complaints from residents — 57 since December — the Environment Ministry last Friday ordered an independent review by field experts to put their noses to the grindstone on the issue.
This is the best way to get to the bottom of this ongoing battle of blame, biases and objections and should get to the bottom of the issue, which, should, among other things, decide once and for all if Halton is meeting ministry guidelines for odour emissions and if it has the right to operate or not.
The blame game between the municipality and the company has been continuing for more than four years and it’s residents who want a clear, concise plan on how to fix the problem.
Experts will be asked for a peer review to discuss:
• If odour problems at the plant are at appropriate levels;
• Effectiveness of Halton’s odour equipment and if its process meets standards and;
• Adequacy of its operating procedure.
While the town must take its share of blame in the whole ordeal by allowing this plant to begin operations in the first place, it should be lauded for its aggressive attempts to ensure the company is meeting ministry guidelines and in its attempts to appease the community’s complaints and concerns about odours coming from the plant.
Halton’s owners have insisted it needs more time to perfect its operations, but the town and, apparently, now the ministry, are saying time is up.
It’s time for Halton to come clean or ship out.
Let’s not forget Newmarket is not alone in threatening to remove the welcome mat from Halton Recycling’s doorstep.
French River residents are now reluctant to give the Newmarket industry the go-ahead to build a plant on the outskirts of their town, 80 kilometres south of Sudbury.
Halton wants to seal a deal to build a windrow composting operation in French River.
Halton is “proving to be not as good a corporate citizen as they claimed”, French River chief administrative officer Michele Monette said, claiming the waste recycling business is not being well received by the hamlet’s 900 residents, has not provided the town with adequate information and cancelled three meetings with the local government, “leaving local council with all the hassle”.
This review will hopefully let everyone breathe easier.