For Immediate Release
March 1, 2006

 

Sterling demands Environment Minister stop dump expansion

Calls on Minister to consider alternatives including incineration

Queen’s Park, Toronto – Lanark-Carleton MPP Norm Sterling demanded of Environment Minister Laurel Broten that she put a stop to the proposal to expand capacity and lifespan of the Carp Landfill and to consider alternative means of dealing with waste.

I have driven by this mountain of garbage thousands of times, with the windows of my car firmly closed,” Mr. Sterling told Members of the Ontario Legislature. “Minister, don’t  you agree that this community has done enough for the rest of Eastern Ontario in accepting their garbage?  Will you put a stop to this proposal now?”

The Minister explained the environmental assessment process, including the examination of alternatives, and said that process would be followed, however she refused to commit to stopping the expansion. 

In January Waste Management of Canada put forward an initial proposal to expand the Carp landfill site to more than double it current capacity and extend its life for 25 years.  This site, which has been used for 30 years, is slated to be closed in four years. 

“My opposition does not result from a concern over the management or past actions of the proponent, Waste Management of Canada,” said Mr. Sterling.  “Rather I oppose this plan because the City of Ottawa has grown rapidly in our area over the past decade and it does not make sense to expand this facility near such a densely populated residential community.”

 “I believe that if Ottawa City Council and the local community stand united against this project then the Minister of the Environment will be forced to require a full environmental assessment including fulsome exploration of alternatives such as incineration and other landfill sites,” said Mr. Sterling.  “I encourage all members of the community and City Council to speak out against this project.  In order to give citizens a strong voice I have posted a petition on my Web site and I invite residents to print, circulate and return this petition so I can ensure the Minister knows how they feel.”

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For more information, please call Lanark-Carleton MPP Norm Sterling at: (416) 314-7900

Read excerpts from Question Period HERE
Click HERE for Petition