For immediate release:
February 10, 2005

Director’s decision to approve Edwards Landfill expansion
opens door to appeal

Barrett says residents must continue to make themselves heard

Queen’s Park - Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant MPP Toby Barrett says a Ministry of Environment decision to allow a 5000 per cent increase in the allowable daily fill rate at Edwards Landfill near Cayuga doesn’t have to be the final chapter in the area waste disposal saga.

After being notified of a Director’s decision of approval, Barrett was quick to note that the public still has the chance to appeal.

“Under the Environmental Bill of Rights, Director’s decisions are open to appeal,” said Barrett. “When one door closes, another one opens, and those interested should understand that this door may shut for good within a couple of weeks.”

Those wishing to appeal must submit notice for leave to appeal to the Environmental Commissioner at:

Environmental Commissioner of Ontario
1075 Bay Street, Suite 605
Toronto, ON M5S 2B1
Canada

For his part, Barrett says that he remains committed to seeing that all steps are taken to limit the impact of this proposal on the people and sensitive areas surrounding the Edwards site, and will raise the issue at Queens Park next week.

“Due to the change in the nature and amount of waste being proposed, the lack of proper public notification for comments to the EBR posting on the Edwards application, and the environmentally sensitive nature of the area, I continue to question how these changes can be approved without a hearing before the Environmental Review Tribunal,” said Barrett. “I also join with farmers and other constituents who have pointed out the folly of proceeding with approval when Nutrient Management regulations continue to be formulated, and source water protection legislation and regulations are about to be introduced.”

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For more information please contact MPP Toby Barrett at: 519-428-0446, 416-325-8404 or 1-800-903-8629