CLCLC voices disappointment to Ontario Minister of Environment regarding Ministry decision to not proceed with legal action for environmental infractions

26 May 2009

The CLCLC has sent a letter to the Honourable John Gerretsen, Ontario Minister of the Environment to express its disappointment and concerns with the Ministry of the Environment’s (MOE) decision to not proceed with legal action against Waste Management for environmental infractions related to offensive, offsite odour emanating from its landfill on Carp Rd, in Ottawa, Ont.

Residents are concerned that legal doctrine of employing best practices to mitigate the effect of environmental impingement (odour escaping beyond the landfill site) is an adequate defence for the offender.

Members of the committee believe in situations such as these, the offending organization should make some restitution to the community. The CLCLC hopes the experience gained at the Carp Landfill site would be valuable to other communities. The CLCLC believes they should not have to endure the prolonged odour intrusions which were experienced by the nearby homes.

The full letter can be viewed here: CLCLC letter to Hon J Gerretsen, 26 May 09

The letter to the MOE was copied to:

Gord Miller, Environmental Commissioner of Ontario
Norm Sterling, MPP for Carleton-Mississippi Mills
Lisa McLeod, MPP Nepean-Carleton
Ottawa "Acting" Mayor and all City Councillors

WM has sent the attached follow on response : WM Letter to Hon J. Geresten, 17 June 2009