WASTE MANAGEMENT
Our local landfill is at maximum capacity and is presently operating under an emergency approval. The local authorities are in the process of completing the Environmental Assessment. Once approved, the landfill will have an additional lifespan of 25 years. The current plan calls for no leachate barrier. A leachate barrier protects the water and land below the landfill from the toxic sludge that results from compressed waste. Our current landfill does not have one, even though it resides beside a water protection area. The landfill manager has done an excellent job ensuring water is monitored and that the landfill is well maintained. Mr. Froats, the manager, tells me that due to the geology, with around 20 feet of clay then bedrock, then water, our water remains uncontaminated even though we have leachate traveling across boyne road. Our experienced manager of 29 years leaves this September with the expectation that the super of roads will take on the duties once hired.
Should we proceed without a leachate barrier? If its not cost prohibitive I would advocate for it. One issue was that the leachate barrier would act like a tub and catch water that would then have to treated, but our treatment facilities are already at maximum capacity. However, the solution might be found in how FLG manages their leachate. It was explained to me that they pump it back up to the top of the landfill and let it seep back down again. This might solve that issue.
My concern is that we cannot map every inch of soil below the proposed new landfill expansion. I believe we are incredibly lucky that the present landfill was located upon such a fortuitous geological location. I do not want our luck to run out. The added precaution of a leachate barrier beside a protected water area would appear to be a good measure that I would advocate for.
The landfill expansion is a priority of mine.
Its a priority because the landfill is an asset that reduces the cost of living here for everyone but it could also hinder our ability to enjoy and live here if its not managed and developed properly. I've taken a keen interest in waste management due to its necessary role in our society and the burden it could incur. I'm open to working with other municipalities to secure funding to examine the possibility of constructing a small incinerator. Many see this as a wise option as it produces electricity and heat that we could pump to our hospital. with little pollution as a result of the advancement of air filtration units.
The existing landfill area continues to operate until either the EA is approved, or we reach our emergency capacity limit around 2023-2024.