The Need

Based on current waste generation projections it is predicted that the Biggars Lane Landfill Site (the County's only operating waste disposal facility) has less than 10 years of capacity remaining. As the County plans for the future, it is looking to ensure that its solid waste disposal needs will be met until the end of 2050.

The Project

The County intends to proceed with a focused Environmental Assessment (EA) to explore alternative means to expand the Biggars Lane Landfill Site. The County is looking for feedback on the Solid Waste Disposal Future Needs Study which has led to initiation of the EA.

• Project Information Handout

Terms of Reference

• Proposed Draft Terms of Reference - presented at December 13, 2012 Public Information Centre

The first step of the project is to prepare and submit a Terms of Reference (ToR) for an Environmental Assessment (EA). The ToR will identify the process the County will follow to undertake the EA under the Environmental Assessment Act.

Individual Environmental Assessment

Upon approval of the ToR, and subject to budget approval, the County will prepare and submit an EA Study to the Ontario Ministry of the Environment for approval. The EA Study will examine alternative methods to expand the Biggars Lane Landfill, and will determine the net environmental effects of the expansion.

Proposed Project Schedule

Terms of Reference - May 2012 to June 2013

Environmental Assessment (subject to budget approval) - June 2013 and beyond

Public Consultation

Consultation during the development of the Terms of Reference (ToR) and throughout the EA process involves a variety of activities. Consultation will take place at a minimum during Project milestones and will include at a minimum:

• Public Notices in the local newspapers
• Public Information Centres
• Mailings to members of the Communication List
• Information shared via the Project website

The local community, neighbouring municipalities, Aboriginal communities, Government Agencies and other interested parties are invited to become involved throughout the Project. Members of the public are encouraged to attend the Public Information Centres and complete a comment form. People can also ask to be added to the Project Communications List, and have information about the Project (e.g. Notices) sent directly to them.

The first Public Information Centre will be held on Wednesday, June 27, 2012 at the Airport Community Centre.

Previous Studies

Solid Waste Disposal Future Needs Study

• Solid Waste Future Needs Study - Executive Summary
• Solid Waste Future Needs Study (Body Only)

The County undertook a Solid Waste Disposal Future Needs Study in 2010 to identify solid waste disposal options that would enable the County to dispose of solid waste generated within the County after the Biggars Lane Landfill reached its approved capacity. The Study had a planning period of 40 years (2010-2050) and was completed in three parts as follows:

• A review of background information
• Identification of alternatives
• Evaluation of alternatives

The study concluded that the preferred alternative to address future solid waste disposal needs was to develop new disposal capacity at the Biggars Lane Landfill.

Notices / Public Information Centres

Preparation of Terms of Reference

• Notice of Commencement and Public Information Centre #1 -- Wednesday, June 27, 2012
  • Public Information Centre #1 Presentation Slides
• Notice of Public Information Centre #2 -- December 13th, 2012
  • Public Information Centre #2 Presentation Slides

For further information please contact: