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Ontario approves EFW plant

The Regional Municipalities of Durham and York recently received Environmental Assessment Act approval for the construction and operation of a thermal treatment waste management facility. It has been approximately 20 years since the last major Energy From Waste power plant was approved in Ontario.

            The facility will process up to 140,000 tonnes of residual municipal solid waste annually. Notice of Approval to Proceed with the Undertaking is subject to a number of conditions, including the preparation and implementation of a Waste Diversion Program Monitoring Plan. Emissions monitoring as well as monitoring of noise, groundwater and surface water are required.

            The facility will be obliged to meet strict new air emissions standards.             A Ministry official notes that although the project has EA approval, the Regions must still apply and receive additional ministry approvals (certificate of approval).

            For further information please see: http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/environment/en/industry/assessment_and_approvals/environmental_assessments/STDPROD_076016.

From Environment @ Gowlings

 

Schedule 1 – Air Emission Operational Requirements

Contaminant             Operational Requirements

Particulate Matter            9 mg/Rm3

Cadmium            7 ug/Rm3

Lead            50 ug/Rm3

Mercury            15 ug/Rm3

Dioxins & Furans            60 pg/Rm3

Hydrogen Chloride            9 mg/Rm3

Sulphur Dioxide            35 mg/Rm3

Nitrogen Oxides            121 mg/Rm3

Organic Matter            50 ppmdv (33 mg/Rm3)

Carbon Monoxide            35 ppmdv (40 mg/Rm3)

Opacity            5% (2-hour average)

            10% (6-minute average)

Notes:

Mg/Rm3-milligrams per reference cubic metre; ug/Rm3-micrograms per reference cubic metre; pg/Rm3-picograms per reference cubic metre; ppmdv-parts per million by dry volume