Notice of approval – terms of reference

Proponent: Canadian Waste Services Incorporated
Environmental assessment file number: PR-CW-02-T

As provided for by section 6.(4) of the Environmental Assessment Act, Terms of Reference, as submitted for approval to the Ministry of the Environment on October 15, 1999, to govern the preparation of an environmental assessment for the above-noted undertaking, are hereby approved.

Pursuant to subsection 6.1(1) of the Environmental Assessment Act, any environmental assessment for the above- noted undertaking, submitted to the Ministry of the Environment pursuant to subsection 6.2(1) of the Environmental Assessment Act, must be prepared in accordance with the Terms of Reference as hereby approved.

Reasons

I am satisfied that an environmental assessment carried out in accordance with the Terms of Reference (ToR) will be consistent with the purpose of the Environmental Assessment Act (EAA) and with the public interest for the following reasons:

  1. The ToR requires the proponent to look at a broad range of environmental impacts associated with expanding the existing landfill site and to determine what expansion capacity is environmentally acceptable at that site.
  2. The proponent not only is required under the ToR to assess what capacity and design (size and shape) are environmentally appropriate for the site, but also is required to examine environmental effects associated with a potential for an over supply of capacity in the Province. At the site level, an over supply of capacity could extend the operating life span beyond the planned twenty-five years. The ToR requires CWS to assess the environmental effects that might result from a longer operating life span. At the provincial level, an over supply of capacity might lead to an adverse effect on the diversion of waste in the province as a result of lower market prices for disposal. The Terms of Reference requires CWS to carry out an economic analysis of the potential for this impact. The outcome of the work done by CWS on the capacity issue would then have to be factored into the issue of what expansion capacity is environmentally acceptable at the site.
  3. The Government Review team has indicated that they have no outstanding concerns which cannot be addressed in the EA.
  4. The Proponent is required to develop a landfill site in accordance with provincial landfill standards under Regulations 347 and 232/98 under the Environmental Protection Act which controls the design and operation of landfill sites. These standards are in place to ensure that the environment is protected and they are performance-based not site specific.
  5. The ToR requires that the proponent will work with the Township and other interested parties to organize a committee to be involved in the review and development of a facility operating plan. The ToR requires the proponent to consult with interested stakeholders regarding the development of schedules to be included in the EA regarding the review of time periods for public consultation. The ToR requires that the proponent provide peer review funding to the Township for the review of the EA. The ToR also requires that the mandate of the Public Liaison Committee (PLC) will be reviewed. In addition, the EAA requires continued consultation and documentation of the consultation during the preparation of the EA. As well, there will be additional opportunities for public and agency consultation when the EA is submitted to the Ministry.

Dated the 11th day of January 2000 at Toronto.

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