The Council of the Township of Whitewater Region approved the Change of Operations Feasibility Study prepared by Jp2G Consultants Inc. for the Ross Landfill for MECP consideration and approval.
Superintendent Steve Hodson said the report had to go to the district manager for MECP for approval.
“It’s basically getting their approval to change what we’re doing onsite in terms of design and how we operate. A few things is that we’re undertaking is that we’re going to be putting a roadways and a new entrance in to get more vehicles off the road, and also to put in a new area with some bins to segregate different kinds of waste, to keep the public and contractors off the tipping face, for safety reasons.”
He said that in order to do this, because they had already put the scale in, they had to ‘change the shape of the waste mound’.
He said there was also “merit to looking at a minor expansion of the landfill site.” Though he said really “really and truly impacted by how the leechate plume has migrated on site. That’s why we have so many boreholes around the site.”
Councillor Jackson asked if the scale was being moved, but Hodson confirmed it was not.
Reeve Regier commented that “what changes could be coming to McNab/Braeside with Mayor Peckett. that could potentially change everything with how other municipalities deal with our landfill.”
Councillor Nicholson asked about the forecasted lifespan of the landfill at 21 years. “If we assume that 21 years is the max, at what point would we have to start making decisions on what to do on the 22nd year?”
Hodson joked “tomorrow”, clarifying “as soon as possible” as his answer.”
Lane Cleroux said JP2G was working on the feasibility study, and that the level that the Township is certified for “falls short” of the landfill’s capacity.
“We’re working towards getting a grip on getting underway how we can possibly get an expansion, if it’s even possible.” Hodson said. “my experience has shown is that it’s going to be based solely on your groundwater and surface-water monitoring program.”
Councillor Nicholson asked if there could be an appreciation of the timeline on providing options for the landfill’s expansion.
“My fear is that if the expansion doesn’t get approved, we can’t go back in time and start working on another option.” Councillor Nicholson said. “I’d prefer to give our taxpayers options.”
Councillor Jackson expressed concern of a ‘short lifespan’ for the landfill.
“You have to keep in mind that this annual capacity is based on a topographical survey.” Hodson said. “We can’t forecast it. Every year is different, you can’t forecast your capacity.”
Cleroux said one of the options staff was looking at was grinding for CND waste and for mattresses, to reduce the space needed. He suggested other options like tarping.
“For McNab/Braeside, we’re also working with all the partners in the surrounding area as part of the LEGs question.” Cleroux said. “It was brought on by Admaston/Bromley, Miss Vracken was there, but since she left, myself and Steve will be championing and chairing the meetings. One of the items is that technology, Hopefully when it proceeds on, we’ll be there at a staff level.”
The motion was carried.
