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