Notice of approval

Proponent: The Regional Municipality of Niagara
Environmental assessment file number: MU-0586-02T

Take notice that the period for requiring a hearing, provided for in the Notice of Completion of the Review for the above-noted undertaking, expired on November 14, 1998. I did not receive any submissions requesting a hearing by the Environmental Assessment Board, nor any submissions that expressed opposition to the undertaking.

I do not consider it advisable or necessary to hold a hearing. Having considered the purpose of the Act, the Terms of Reference, the Environmental Assessment, the Review and all submissions received, I hereby give approval to proceed with the undertaking, subject to the Conditions of Approval set out in Attachment A.

Reasons

My reasons for giving approval are:

  1. The Review concluded that the EA submitted by The Regional Municipality of Niagara was prepared in accordance with the approved Terms of Reference, and the requirements of the Environmental Assessment Act have been met.
  2. The two host municipalities have expressed support for the undertaking.
  3. The Provisional Certificates of Approval to be issued under the Environmental Protection Act can address the Ministry of the Environment’s potential concern with possible impacts to surface water resources, along with the Ministry of Natural Resources' requests that there be consultation with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans regarding provincial responsibilities under the Federal Fisheries Act to protect fish habitat from water quality/quantity impacts, and that site parameters being measured and monitored be detailed. No other technical concerns were identified by ministries and agencies, municipalities or the public.
  4. The proponent has asserted that the removal of the landfills' closure dates will not result in any negative environmental effects that have not already been considered in the granting of the earlier approvals by the Environmental Assessment Board and the Ministry. The approved capacity, type of waste being accepted (solid non-hazardous), site design, service area, number of vehicles using the sites and the fill rates will remain the same.

On the basis of the proponent’s Environmental Assessment, the Review and the Conditions of Approval, the operation of the undertaking will be consistent with the purpose of the Act (section 2).

Dated the 11th day of March 1999 at Toronto

Original signed by:
Minister of the Environment
135 St. Clair Avenue West, 15th floor
Toronto, Ontario
M4V 1P5