TOWN OF BLIND RIVER
Municipal Waste Management Plan
Environmental Assessment Task 1 Report – Description of the Problem/Opportunity
December, 2009
KEC Ref: 0508.04 Town of Blind River Municipal Waste Management Plan Environmental Assessment: Task 1Report – Description of the Problem/Opportunity
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents ...... i List of Abbreviations ...... iii
1.0 INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND ...... 1 1.1 Background...... 1 2.0 NOTICE OF EA COMMENCEMENT ...... 1 3.0 STUDY AREA, PLANNIGN PERIOD AND POPULATION ...... 2 3.1 Study Area ...... 2 3.1.1 Natural Environment ...... 2 3.1.2 Social/Cultural Environment ...... 6 3.1.3 Economic Environment ...... 8 3.1.4 Transportation Environment ...... 9 3.2 Planning Period ...... 9 3.3 Population ...... 9 4.0 EXISTING WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM ...... 10 4.1 Waste Generation Rate ...... 10 4.2 Existing Waste Management Systems ...... 11 4.2.1 Residential and IC&I Pick-Up ...... 11 4.2.2 Recyclables Pick-Up ...... 11 4.2.3 Landfill Disposal and Stockpiling ...... 12 4.2.4 Diversion of Household Hazardous Waste ...... 13 4.2.5 Other ...... 13 4.2.6 Cost of Operations ...... 13 5.0 WASTE QUANTITIES AND CHARACTERISTICS ...... 13 5.1 Waste Composition ...... 13 5.2 Projected Waste Generation ...... 15 5.3 Waste Diversion Rates ...... 16 5.4 Cumulative Waste Volume ...... 16 6.0 OPEN HOUSE NUMBER 1 ...... 17 7.0 WASTE MANAGEMENT PROBLEM STATEMENT ...... 18 8.0 NEXT EA STEPS ...... 18
APPENDICES
Appendix A: Notice of Commencement of Environmental Assessment Appendix B: Public Open House No. 1 – Notice and Material Appendix C: Public Open House No. 1 – Display Boards Appendix D: Public Open House No. 1 – Attendance Sheet Appendix E: Public Open House No. 1 – Summary of Comments Received
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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Projected Annual Population ...... 10 Figure 2: Household Waste Composition ...... 14 Figure 3: IC&I Waste Composition ...... 14 Figure 4: Construction and Demolition Waste ...... 15 Figure 5: Projected Annual Volume of Waste Generated ...... 16 Figure 6: Projected Accumulated Volume of Waste In-Place ...... 17
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: Climate Data ...... 6 Table 2: Estimated Annual Waste Quantities ...... 10 Table 3: Waste Generation Rates ...... 11
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Town of Blind River Municipal Waste Management Plan Environmental Assessment: Task 1Report – Description of the Problem/Opportunity
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ACAC Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee C&D Construction and Demolition Waste CPR Canadian Pacific Railway EA Environmental Assessment HCR Huron Central Railway HHWD Household Hazardous Waste Day IC&I Industrial, Commercial and Institutional KEC Kresin Engineering Corporation MCCR Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation MNR Ministry of Natural Resources MOE Ministry of the Environment ToR Terms of Reference Town The Corporation of the Town of Blind River
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Town of Blind River Municipal Waste Management Plan Environmental Assessment: Task 1Report – Description of the Problem/Opportunity
1.0 INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
The Town of Blind River is developing a Solid Waste Management Plan to determine the preferred approach to address the Town’s waste management needs.
A draft Environmental Assessment (EA) Terms of Reference (ToR) was prepared and underwent Agency and public review. Comments received following review of the ToR were incorporated into a final document and submitted for review by the Minister of the Environment. In July of 2008, approval of the ToR was granted for the Town of Blind River Municipal Waste Management Plan EA.
The ToR set out the Town’s framework and work plan for addressing the requirements of the Environmental Assessment Act including: a description of the proposed undertaking; the alternatives to be considered, characterization of the study area environment; methods of evaluating the alternatives; and, public consultation activities to be carried out.
The EA is being carried out in accordance with the approved ToR to meet the requirements of the Environmental Assessment Act and will identify the preferred method of addressing decreasing landfill capacity. Although waste diversion activities do not require EA Act approval, they will be considered during the EA Planning Process as an integral component to a waste management plan.
1.1 Background
The Blind River municipal landfill has been serving the residents of Blind River and area since the 1970s. The 2 hectare landfill (approved area), located 2 kilometres east of Town on Highway 17, currently accepts disposal of domestic, commercial, and non- hazardous solid industrial wastes, scrap wood and brush, and iron sludge produced by the water treatment plant at Cameco Corporation. These wastes are being received in accordance with Certificate of Approval (C of A)No. A713870, including amendments made since the certificate was issued in November 1980.
A Hydrogeological/Engineering Report prepared by Kresin Engineering Corporation (KEC) and submitted to the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) on September 20, 2002, estimated the lifespan of the existing landfill site to be 15 years. The latest estimate (October 2008) indicates that approximately 6 years of capacity remain at the current landfill site. Reports prepared on behalf of the municipality also identify the existence of landfill material that had been disposed of outside the area approved in the Certificate of Approval (termed “Fill Beyond Allowable Limits – FBAL”). Should the FBAL be brought into the approved 2 hectare approved disposal area, the current landfill capacity is less than 6 years (potentially significantly less).
2.0 NOTICE OF EA COMMENCEMENT
A Notice of Commencement of Environmental Assessment was run by local newspapers on February 11, 2009 to inform the public that the Terms of Reference had been approved and that the environmental assessment would be carried out (a copy is provided
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Town of Blind River Municipal Waste Management Plan Environmental Assessment: Task 1Report – Description of the Problem/Opportunity
in Appendix A). The Notice stated that the Environmental Assessment would include a comparative evaluation to identify the preferred method of addressing decreasing landfill capacity and that consultation activities would be undertaken at the key stages of the Environmental Assessment planning process.
3.0 STUDY AREA, PLANNING PERIOD AND POPULATION
3.1 Study Area
The Study Area consists of several geographical townships that make up the incorporated Town of Blind River and covers approximately 82, 400 hectares. The western limits include the Townships of Cobden, Scarfe and Juillette; the north limits include Kamichisitit and Jogues Townships and the east limits include Timmermans, Mack and Striker Townships. The North Channel of Lake Huron bounds the south limits of the Study Area.
Although it is likely that the Service Area will remain consistent throughout the EA Planning Process, the Study Area may be further defined as the Process progresses.
A general description of the existing environment is provided below. As the assessment of “alternatives to” and alternative methods progresses, descriptions of the existing environment will be refined and tailored to individual alternatives, locations, etc.
3.1.1 Natural Environment
(i) Soils
Overburden in the Study Area is predominantly morainal, glaciofluvial and glaciolacustrine sediments, generally grading from sand to fine sand, silt and clay at depth. The thickness of the overburden varies depending upon the configuration of the bedrock surface reaching depths exceeding 30 m in the depressed areas.
The glaciofluvial outwash deposit along the Blind River is typical of most river valley deposits primarily composed of gravelly sand and having low relief.
The agricultural potential within the Study Area is limited by the following constraints:
1. Unfavourable soils conditions - low fertility, low capacity to hold water, and stony composition in some areas which interferes with tillage, planting, and harvesting. 2. Topography - undulating to hilly, inhibiting tillage and limited soil depth in many areas.
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(ii) Physiography
The topography within the study area is typical of the Canadian Shield. Soil cover is generally thin, and it is underlain by Precambrian Shield bedrock. Bedrock outcrops and ridges are visible throughout the entire community and the Study Area.
(iii) Water Resources
The Town of Blind River is Located on the north Typical physiography in the Blind River area shore of Lake Huron at the mouth of the Blind River. It is largely bound by surface water bodies/ courses on all sides.
The Blind River is located to the west and north of the Town, running south from numerous tributaries and a group of lakes including Lake Duborne, Cataract Lake, Canoe Lake, High Lake, Chiblow Lake and Matinenda Lake. The river empties to the south into the North Channel of Lake Huron at the Town of Blind River.
Allen Lake (approximately 0.4 hectares in size) and Bass Lake (approximately 0.6 hectares in size) are located northeast of the Town of Blind River and are separated by less than a kilometer. Several homes/cottages located at the northwest and southeast ends of the lakes are accessed from Highway 555. Both Bass Lake and Allen Lake drain into Lauzon Lake, which also drains into the North Channel of Lake Huron.
Lauzon Lake is located to the north and east of the Town. The main lake is approximately 2000 hectares in size and 11 kilometers long. Permanent and seasonal homes as well as campgrounds and recreational lodges are located around the lake. Smelts and salmon can be found in the lake during the spring and fall respectively. Other fish species including lake trout, speckled trout, rainbow, northern pike, bass and muskellunge are also abundant in Lauzon Lake.
Lake Duborne is located approximately 5 kilometers north of the Town and is approximately 940 hectares in size. Recreational lodges as well as permanent and seasonal homes are located along the shore. Fish species found in the lake include northern pike, whitefish, lake trout, walleye, perch and bass.
(iv) Vegetation
Vegetation within the Study Area is classified as a subsection of the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Forest Region. This vegetation type is characterized by hardy pioneering tree species such as maples and yellow and white birch. Also prevalent in sandy flat areas and coarser-textured soils are maple, red pine, white pine, eastern hemlock, jackpine,
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Town of Blind River Municipal Waste Management Plan Environmental Assessment: Task 1Report – Description of the Problem/Opportunity
beech, basswood and balsam fir. Black spruce occur scattered in more saturated organic soils.
Extensive and relatively recent disturbance in this region has resulted in the removal of much of the natural vegetation leaving a landscape dominated by pioneer and colonizing species.
(v) Terrestrial Animals
The area surrounding the built-up portion of the Town is generally sparsely developed and supports large game such as black bear, moose and deer, as well as small game animals such as porcupines, racoons, rabbits, etc.
The Study Area is inhabited by a number of bird species. These include the black capped chickadee, northern flicker, golden eagle, ruby throated hummingbird and osprey.
Reptiles and amphibians are also common within the Study Area. Such species include the leopard frog, the yellow spotted salamander, the common snapping turtle, the midland painted turtle, the eastern garter snake and the milk snake.
(vi) Aquatic Animal Life and Fisheries
Water bodies/courses that lie within the Study Area support a variety of sport fish species, including: lake trout, small-mouth bass, pike, musky and speckled trout. Lake Huron also supports commercial fishing activities.
Lakes within the Study Area have been designated as lake trout lakes by the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR). As lake trout lakes are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of human activities, including exploitation, acidification, species introductions and habitat destruction (MNR, 2006), aquatic animal life and fisheries concerns/constraints will be clearly identified and considered as the EA process progresses.
(vii) Species At Risk and Identified Natural Areas
There are several species within the Study Area that have been placed on the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources Species at Risk List for Ontario. These species are at risk due to habitat loss, land use and resource management activities, the spread of invasive species, etc. The Study Area includes species that have been classified as endangered, threatened or species of special concern.
The MNR classifies a species as endangered if it lives in the wild in Ontario but is facing imminent extinction or extirpation. Endangered species located within the area include:
1. Short-nose Cisco; and 2. Eastern Cougar.
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Town of Blind River Municipal Waste Management Plan Environmental Assessment: Task 1Report – Description of the Problem/Opportunity
A species that is classified as threatened is one that is native to the area and that is at risk of becoming endangered in Ontario if limiting factors are not reversed. Threatened species found within the Study Area include the following:
1. Lake Sturgeon; 2. Peregrine Falcon; 3. Blandings Turtle; and 4. Shortjaw Cisco.
A species of special concern is one that is sensitive to human activities or natural events which may cause it to become endangered or threatened. Species of special concern located within the Study Area include:
1. Golden-winged Warbler; 2. West Virginia White; 3. Milksnake; 4. Northern Brook Lamprey; 5. Bald Eagle; 6. Monarch Butterfly; 7. Black Tern; 8. Short-eared Owl; and 9. Eastern Wolf.
The Natural Heritage Information Centre (NHIC) has identified species classified as vulnerable (S3 species rank) and apparently secure (S4 species rank) within the vicinity of the Study Area. S3 species are those that are vulnerable in the province due to a restricted range, relatively few populations (often 80 or fewer), recent and widespread declines, or other factors making it vulnerable to extirpation. S4 species are those that are uncommon but not rare, with some cause for long-term concern due to declines or other factors.
Species that have been classified as apparently secure (S4) within or in close proximity to the Study Area include the milk snake and variegated meadow hawk. Vulnerable (S3) species include the ocellated darner and the boreal snaketail.
The MNR identifies areas of natural and scientific interest (ANSI) that are provincially significant by surveying regions and evaluating sites to decide which have the highest value for conservation, scientific study and education.
Life science ANSIs are areas that contain examples of the natural landscapes, communities, plants and animals found in the natural regions of the province. A candidate life science ANSI is an area identified/recommended for provincial or regional ANSI status, with status approval pending. The Mississagi Delta Provincial Nature Reserve is approximately 2400 hectares in size and is located in the North Channel of Georgian Bay, approximately 10 kilometers southwest of the Study Area. The Reserve has been classified as a candidate life science ANSI as it protects a sand delta and related biotic communities at the mouth of the Mississagi River. The Reserve consists of a
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Town of Blind River Municipal Waste Management Plan Environmental Assessment: Task 1Report – Description of the Problem/Opportunity
number of habitats including upland coniferous, mixed and deciduous forests, thickets, rock barrens, coniferous and deciduous swamps, bogs, fens and marshes (Noble, 1991).
A wetland is classified by the MNR using the Ontario Wetland Evaluation System and is recognized as having ecological significance. The Marsh Bay-Island Wetland is located within the study area and is approximately 260 hectares in size. It is a coastal wetland complex made up of six individual wetlands consisting of bogs, fens, swamps and marshes (Clark, 1994).
(viii) Climate
The climate of the Study Area is somewhat moderated, as it is located along the North Channel of Lake Huron, and is situated in a region that experiences short warm and sometimes hot summers as well as a long winter season. The winter months are accompanied with cold temperatures and lake-effect snow. Historical climate data for the Study Area is located in Table 1.
Table 1. Climate Data
Description Value Average Annual Temperature 4.8 ºC Average Maximum July Daily Temperature 24.2 ºC Average Minimum January Daily Temperature -15.5 ºC Average Maximum January Daily Temperature -6.0 ºC Average Minimum Annual Temperature -0.17 ºC Average Maximum Annual Temperature 9.8 ºC Average Annual Rainfall 763.5 mm Average Annual Snowfall 264.8 cm Average Annual Wind Direction (2008) 21.9 10’s deg Values from Environment Canada’s National Climate Data and Information Archive (1996- 2008).
3.1.2 Social/Cultural Environment
(i) Land Use
The Town of Blind River is primarily a residential community with a small industrial component and commercial and institutional components that provide basic services to the permanent residents and visitors to the community.
Residential development consists mainly of single detached housing. Semi-detached and social-assisted housing have been developed in the area and a small number of residential apartment buildings are found in Town. Many of the area lakes also support residential and cottage developments.
The majority of the Town’s commercial development is located along Highway 17 and a section of Woodward Avenue. Institutional lands are dispersed throughout the Town and
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Town of Blind River Municipal Waste Management Plan Environmental Assessment: Task 1Report – Description of the Problem/Opportunity
consist of churches, schools and community services (e.g. Hospital, Algoma Public Health).
Industrial zones are scattered throughout the Town but are concentrated at the east end of Town along Highway 17. The principle industry in the area is Cameco, a uranium refinery, which is located west of the community, outside of the communal water and sewer service area. The only other industry is a historically operated veneer plant.
Built-up area of the Town of Blind River with landfill site shown to the east, north of Highway 17
The principle future development areas are the lands to the east of the existing built-up region where an industrial subdivision has been established and is currently being developed (2008).
Recreational zones include 18 multi-functional park areas and numerous hiking, skiing and snowmobile trails located in the area. Various environmental protection zones are found along the shores of Lake Huron and Bay of Blind River and a large wetland area is located west of the Town.
The Mississagi First Nation is located adjacent to the Study Area some 5 km west of the built-up area of the Town site and along Highway 17 with frontage on the Blind River and Mississagi River.
(ii) Utilities
Properties within the built-up portion of the Study Area are serviced by communal water and sewage facilities and those in the Forrest Glen subdivision are serviced by the municipal water supply and on-site sewage disposal systems. Throughout the Study Area outlying (rural) areas are serviced by private water supplies and on-site sewage systems.
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The following utility authorities have facilities within the Study Area:
1. Hydro One; 2. Union Gas; 3. Bell Canada; and 4. Persona (cable television).
(iii) Architecturally, Historically, or Archaeologically Significant Sites
Database searches conducted in the past by the Archaeology and Natural Heritage Unit of the Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation (MCCR) indicated that there are no active archaeological sites in the Study Area.
A Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee (LACAC) was established in the Town of Blind River in the summer of 1993. To date no specific concerns have been identified relative to this undertaking.
(iv) Recreation
There are numerous recreational opportunities in the Study Area. Popular spring and summer activities include boating, swimming, canoeing, fishing, camping and hiking. Popular fall and winter activities include hunting, ice fishing, skiing and snowmobiling. There are numerous municipal parks and public beaches located within the Study Area limits.
Woodward Avenue tennis courts and baseball diamond
3.1.3 Economic Environment
The Study Area was originally settled by Algonquin cultures. By 1500-1600 the area formed part of the Ojibway Territory. In the early 1800's a small water based settlement was established near the mouth of the Blind River, and by 1850 a Hudsons Bay Trading Post was located in the area. At that time logging became a prominent industry and in 1887 the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) reached Algoma. The logging and saw mill industry were largely responsible for the establishment and growth of the community of Blind River. These activities continued to be prominent until about 1968 when the Domtar mill closed.
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Town of Blind River Municipal Waste Management Plan Environmental Assessment: Task 1Report – Description of the Problem/Opportunity
Uranium was discovered near Blind River in 1955 which lead to the development of the first uranium mine located in Algoma Mills. The uranium mine was only operational for a short time but lead to the discovery of the Blind River-Elliot Lake uranium mining camp. A uranium refinery was developed in 1983 just west of the Town of Blind River and is currently owned and operated by Cameco Cameco refinery in Blind River Corporation.
Presently the principle economic activities include commercial service, tourism, the Cameco uranium refinery, and public sector services.
3.1.4 Transportation Environment
The Town of Blind River is located on the Trans Canada Highway (King’s Highway No. 17), approximately equidistant between Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury. Highways No. 555 and 557 access the northern regions of the Study Area. Numerous local roadways, urban and rural, have been established in the built-up community and rural areas which are maintained by the Town. Access to the current landfill site is provided from the Trans Canada Highway.
The Huron Central Railway (HCR) right-of-way is located adjacent to and south of Highway 17 through the Town of Blind River.
3.2 Planning Period
The planning period for the Town of Blind River Municipal Waste Management Plan will range from 25 to 40 years (or other duration) depending on the preferred method identified during the EA Planning Process.
3.3 Population
The Town’s population has remained relatively stable over the last decade while increases have occurred in the past through annexation of once abutting rural areas. For this study, a population growth estimate of a 1% increase per annum has been used to estimate waste volumes for the 40 year planning period (Figure 1). This growth estimate is felt to be reasonable considering Cameco Corporation’s plans for expansion as well as its general agreement with the estimate developed during the EA conducted for the recently constructed water treatment plant.
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Town of Blind River Municipal Waste Management Plan Environmental Assessment: Task 1Report – Description of the Problem/Opportunity
Figure 1 Town of Blind River Projected Annual Population 6000
5000
4000
3000
Population 2000
1000
0 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020 2022 2024 2026 2028 2030 2032 2034 2036 2038 2040 2042 2044 2046 2048 2050 Year
4.0 EXISTING WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
4.1 Waste Generation Rate
There are approximately 2,417 households within the Study Area generating domestic solid waste. Domestic wastes are also produced by an estimated 477 IC&I sector waste generators including retail stores, offices, schools, medical clinics, refineries, building contractors and automotive garages.
Historical waste generation rates were determined for the Town of Blind River using refuse and recyclable material reports obtained from the Town’s recycling contractor. Volumes of bulky waste (white goods, tires, etc.) wood waste, biosolids and construction and demolition wastes were estimated using published data, as summarized in Table 2.
Table 2. Estimated Annual* Waste Quantities
Estimated Estimated Bulk Estimated Wood Estimated Population Biosolids Wastes ** Waste C&D (m3) (m3) (m3) (m3) 3651 233 5 116 578 * Calculated using typical densities and generation rates. ** Includes tires, white goods.
The volumes of waste generated, landfilled and recycled were divided by the Town’s population to develop the waste generation rates summarized in Table 3.
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Table 3. Waste Generation Rates
Waste Blue Box Other Waste Waste Generated* Program** Waste Generation Rate Diversion Year Population Diverted Rate (m3) (m3) (m3) (m3/person/year) (%)*** 2006 3651 25,646 6818 354 7.0 28 2007 3651 28,007 8327 354 7.7 31 2008 3651 26,817 8685 354 7.3 34 * Includes estimates in Table 2 and volume from Town reports. ** Calculated using typical densities for the recyclable materials listed in contractor’s report. *** Diversion Rate on a volume basis.
The values above for landfill waste generated compare well with the volumes determined annually by conducting topographic surveys.
4.2 Existing Waste Management Systems and Facilities
The existing waste management system and facilities include:
1. Residential curb-side pick-up of materials for disposal (weekly); 2. Curb-side pick-up of bulk materials (eg. white goods) once per month; 3. IC&I and rural residential waste dumpster collection; 4. Curb-side recyclables pick-up (every 2 weeks for residential and every week for IC&I); 5. Direct haul to landfill; 6. Landfill disposal of solid non-hazardous waste; 7. Stock-piling of wood wastes (for burning), metals, tires and white goods at the landfill site; 8. Separation and stock-piling of electronics; 9. Diversion of HHW through a regularly scheduled “HHW days” (currently every 2 years); and, 10. Exporting water pollution control plant biosolids for disposal.
4.2.1 Residential and IC&I Pick-Up
A private company, under contract with the Town, collects waste from residential households weekly and twice weekly from the IC&I sector. Dumpsters located throughout the municipality (located in rural areas) are also collected on a regular basis. Pickup of bulk items (eg. white goods) occurs on pre-selected days each month. The waste collection contract is currently administered by Municipal Waste and Recycling Consultants (MWRC).
Weekly curbside pickup is carried out using a Labrie side loader capable of hauling approximately 22 cubic meters of material. Residents and businesses requiring disposal
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Town of Blind River Municipal Waste Management Plan Environmental Assessment: Task 1Report – Description of the Problem/Opportunity at times other than scheduled pickup days can dispose of wastes at the landfill site (i.e. direct haul) during the days the site is operational.
4.2.2 Recyclables Pick-Up
Materials currently accepted as part of the Town’s Blue Box recycling program include:
1. newspaper; 2. magazines; 3. household fine paper; 4. telephone books; 5. corrugated cardboard; 6. boxboard; 7. glass bottles and jars; 8. steel and aluminum food and beverage containers; 9. polyethylene terephthalate (PET) #1; and, 10. high density polyethylene (HDPE) #2 plastic bottles.
In 2008, approximately 564 tonnes of recyclable materials were diverted from the landfill site. Residential recycling pickup occurs every second week and commercial recycling pickup occurs weekly. Recyclable materials are collected using a Walinga side loader capable of hauling 22 cubic meters of material. Recyclables are collected and transported to the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) in Blind River where they are sorted, baled and then shipped to market.
4.2.3 Landfill Disposal and Stockpiling
The Blind River Municipal Landfill Site has been in operation since approximately 1970 and accepts domestic non-hazardous solid wastes. The active site was licensed in 1980 with a fill area of 2 hectares. C of A (No. A7138701) was amended on April 25, 1994 to accept non-hazardous solid industrial wastes and iron sludge, and again on January 6, 2000 to allow for the use of sawdust as interim cover for a two year period. Tires, waste wood, scrap metals and white goods are also accepted at the landfill site and are stockpiled in designated areas away from other wastes, pending shipment for recycling or disposal by other means (e.g. burning clean wood waste).
The site has operated under the current C of A since November of 1980 and has controlled access, maintained by a locked gate and is open 8 hours a day, three days a week, under the supervision of an attendant. The landfill attendant is under contract with the Town and is responsible for monitoring the waste entering the site, collecting tipping fees as set by the Town Council, designating and signing various waste areas and ensuring that proper backfill procedures are used at the site.
The Blind River landfill site is separated into sections designated for specific uses. Waste is deposited at the Blind River landfill site by residents (direct haul) and the waste collection contractor using the area-fill method. The waste collection contractor employs a Liebherr-711 dozer to compact waste in-situ, to apply cover material and to shape the
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Town of Blind River Municipal Waste Management Plan Environmental Assessment: Task 1Report – Description of the Problem/Opportunity
site topography as required. The placement of landfill cover generally occurs following each day that the site is operational, reducing the amount of windblown litter, odour and animal scavenging at the site.
Few operational problems have been encountered historically at the landfill site. The operation of the site is controlled by conditions set out in the in the C of A, Provincial regulations and contract agreements between the Town and the waste collection contractor and landfill attendant. The MOE performs regular inspections at the site and annual reports, outlining estimates of in-situ volume and remaining capacity, and presenting results from the ground and surface water quality monitoring program, are prepared by the Town. Topographic surveys as well as surface water and groundwater samples are collected twice annually (in the spring and fall).
4.2.4 Diversion of Household Hazardous Waste
Household hazardous wastes including corrosive, toxic, reactive and flammable wastes are collected and disposed of by a qualified contractor on Household Hazardous Waste Days (HHWD) scheduled by the Town (typically once every 2 years, consideration being given to yearly HHHWD). During HHWD, wastes from the IC&I sectors is not accepted. It is the responsibility of each businesses to dispose of their own hazardous waste in accordance with MOE regulations.
4.2.5 Other
Residents may also drop off items including ink cartridges, automobiles and parts, books, batteries and electronics at several local businesses throughout the Town.
4.2.6 Cost of Operations
The total cost to operate and maintain the Blind River waste management system in 2008 totaled approximately $268,000.00, broken-down as follows:
1. $17,000.00 for monitoring and reporting; 2. $65,950.50 for the collection of recyclable materials; 3. $170,640.00 for the collection of refuse and waste; 4. and $14,400.00 for landfill operations.
Waste management system costs may also be expressed as the following unit costs:
1. $73.40 per person per year 2. $110.88 per household per year. (2417hh) 3. $9.99 per m3 of waste material generated; and, 4. $37.79 per m3 of waste material compacted in-place.
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Town of Blind River Municipal Waste Management Plan Environmental Assessment: Task 1Report – Description of the Problem/Opportunity
5.0 WASTE QUANTITIES AND CHARACTERISTICS
5.1 Waste Composition
A waste composition study has not been conducted in Blind Riveer. However, the composition of wastes generated in the Town has been estimated using information from other Ontario municipalities (MOE, 2004).
Figure 2 depicts the estimated composition of household non-hazardous wastes for the Town of Blind River. The “Other” category includes materials such as wood products, tires, furniture and clothing.
Figure 2 Household Waste Composition
Food 25% Other 26%
Yard 13%
Glass 5% Ferrous 2% Paper 24% Aluminum 1% Plastic 4%
The estimated composition of industrial, commercial and institutional (IC&I) waste is shown in Figure 3 (MOE, 2004). In this case, the “Other” category includes such materials as leather, rubber and primary textiles.
Figure 3 IC&I Waste Composition Organic 11% Glass 5% Other 26%
Wood 21%
Paper 23% Metal 11% Plastic 3%
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Town of Blind River Municipal Waste Management Plan Environmental Assessment: Task 1Report – Description of the Problem/Opportunity
The composition of construction and demolition (C&D) wastes is estimated as shown in Figure 4 (MOE, 2004). The “Other” category includes materials such as tires, ceiling tiles and rubber.
Figure 4 Construction and Demolition Waste
Rock, Soil and Fines Gypsum Board Remainder 5% 5% Composite 11% Lumber Other 16% 5%
Concrete 1% Paper 21% Other Organic 17% Glass 4% Plastics Metal 5% 10%
5.2 Projected Waste Generation
With an increased awareness in the need to reduce wastes, it is anticipated that the future waste generation rates will be somewhat less than the current rates. However, for the purpose of ensuring that the future waste management system and facilities are capable of meeting the needs of the community, a zero percent decrease in waste generation rate has been assumed. Annual waste volumes have been estimated for a 40 year planning period (see Figure 5) using a population growth estimate of a 1% increase per annum and the 2008 waste generation rate of 7.3 m3/person/year. Waste generation rates will be re- evaluated throughout the EA planning process and revised as necessary when developing the preferred Waste Management Plan.
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Town of Blind River Municipal Waste Management Plan Environmental Assessment: Task 1Report – Description of the Problem/Opportunity
Figure 5 Town of Blind River Projected Annual Volume of Waste Generated
44000 41000 38000 35000 32000 29000 26000 23000 20000 17000 14000 11000 Annual Volume (m3) Annual Volume 8000 5000 2000 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020 2022 2024 2026 2028 2030 2032 2034 2036 2038 2040 2042 2044 2046 2048 2050 Year
5.3 Waste Diversion Rates
The Town of Blind River has been implementing a Blue Box Recycling Program since 1998. The program includes the curbside collection of comingled recyclable products (plastics, metals, glass, newsprint, corrugated cardboard, etc.) as well as direct haul to the recycling contractor’s collection depot.
Using reports for the recyclable materials collected by the Town’s contractor, the estimated quantity of household waste diverted from landfill in 2008 as a result of the Town’s current recycling program is approximately 8,700 m3. With reference to Table 3, this represents a diversion rate of approximately 34% by volume. Considered by mass, the diversion rate is estimated to be 23%.
Without the expansion of the existing recycling program or the addition of a new waste diversion alternative, it is estimated that the Town is at or is very close to approaching its maximum diversion potential.
5.4 Cumulative Waste Volume
Cumulative waste volumes (compacted in-place) have been estimated for the 40 year planning period (shown in Figure 6) using the 2008 waste generation rate discussed above and a compaction ratio estimated for Blind River.
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Town of Blind River Municipal Waste Management Plan Environmental Assessment: Task 1Report – Description of the Problem/Opportunity
Figure 6 Town of Blind River Projected Accumulated Volume of Waste In‐Place 420000 390000 360000 330000 300000 (m3)
270000 240000 Volume 210000 180000 150000 120000 Accumulated 90000 60000 30000 0 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020 2022 2024 2026 2028 2030 2032 2034 2036 2038 2040 2042 2044 2046 2048 2050 Year
6.0 OPEN HOUSE NUMBER 1
The purpose of Open House No. 1 was to introduce the residents of Blind River, and other interested people, to the waste management EA process as well as to seek input into the process.
A notice was published in the local newspaper and on the local cable television channel in April of 2009, inviting the public to an Open House to be held on April 22, 2009 (a copy of the notice is provided in Appendix B). The Notice provided a brief description of the purpose of the undertaking and indicated that the Terms of Reference had been approved by the Minister. During the Open House, consultants were available to discuss the project as well as the EA process in general. In addition to presenting a description of the Town’s current waste management system, the EA problem statement and activities completed thus far in the EA process were described, and a breakdown of the Town’s waste characterization and generation was provided. Copies of the display boards presented at the Open House are provided in Appendix C.
The Open House, held in sessions from 3pm to 5pm and 6pm to 8pm, was attended by 4 people. Topics of discussion included potential improvements to the current waste management system, existing conditions at the current landfill site and the EA process in general. A copy of the attendance sheet is presented in Appendix D. A summary of
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Town of Blind River Municipal Waste Management Plan Environmental Assessment: Task 1Report – Description of the Problem/Opportunity
REFERENCES
Clark, K. 1994. Northern Ontario Wetland Evaluation, Data and Scoring Record- Marsh Bay/ Island 9 Wetland.
Ministry of Natural Resources. May 2006. Inland Ontario Lakes Designated for Lake Trout Management.
Ministry of the Environment. June 2004. Ontario’s 60% Waste Diversion Goal, A Discussion Paper.
Noble, T.W. 1991. Assessment of Natural Areas and Features for the Northern Portion of the Southern Boreal Forest Region, Site Region 5E.
Pers. Comm. Mr. Ken Corbiere, Town of Blind River.
Per. Comm. Ms. Doreen Weiss, Municipal Wastes and Recycling Consultants.
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Town of Blind River Municipal Waste Management Plan Environmental Assessment: Task 1Report – Description of the Problem/Opportunity
APPENDIX A
NOTICE OF EA COMMENCEMENT
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NOTICE OF COMMENCEMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
TOWN OF BLIND RIVER MUNICIPAL LANDFILL SITE MUNICIPAL WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN
The Town of Blind River has initiated the Environmental Assessment (EA) process under the Environmental Assessment Act to address the declining capacity at the Town’s landfill site. A municipal waste management plan will ensure that sufficient waste management capacity is available for the approximately 3,500 residents of the Town of Blind River for the next 25 to 40 years, depending on the preferred alternative identified. Kresin Engineering Corporation has been retained by the Town of Blind River to develop the Municipal Waste Management Plan for the landfill site.
The Town of Blind River Landfill Site has been in operation since the 1970s and is licensed under Certificate of Approval Number A713870. The site is situated on 2 hectares of approved land and is licensed to receive domestic, commercial, and nonhazardous solid industrial wastes, scrap wood and brush, and iron sludge produced by the water treatment plant at Cameco Corporation. The site is estimated as having approximately six years of capacity remaining and historical landfilling operations have occurred beyond the current allowable limits.
In July of 2008, the Minister of the Environment approved the Terms of Reference for the Town of Blind River Municipal Waste Management Plan EA. A copy of the approved Terms of Reference is available at www.kresinengineering.ca or may also be viewed at the following locations: Town of Blind River Municipal Office Town of Blind River Public Library 11 Hudson Street 8 Woodward Avenue Blind River, ON P0R 1B0 Blind River, ON P0R 1B0 Tel: 705-356-2251 Tel: 705-356-7616
The EA will be carried out in accordance with both the approved Terms of Reference and the requirements of the Environmental Assessment Act and will include a comparative evaluation of alternative methods to identify the preferred method of addressing decreasing landfill capacity. Although waste diversion activities do not require EA Act approval, they will be considered during the EA Planning Process as an integral component to a waste management plan.
Consultation with the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) as well as the public and interested agencies will be made throughout the EA process. Formal consultation activities will be undertaken at key stages of the EA Planning Process (e.g. when alternatives are developed, when the preferred is identified, etc.) and any comments or concerns made may be incorporated into the document to improve the final outcome. A finalized EA Study Report will be prepared and will undergo the legislated review period and filing with the MOE. At that time, the public and other interested agencies will be informed when and where the EA Study Report can be reviewed.
If you have any comments/concerns regarding the above undertaking or would like to be added to the project consultation list, please contact the representative at the address below:
Chris Kresin, P.Eng. Consulting Engineer 536 Fourth Line East Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 5K8 Tel: 705-949-4900 Fax: 705-949-9965 Email: [email protected]
Under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and the Environmental Assessment Act, unless otherwise stated in the submission, any personal information such as name, address, telephone number and property location included in a submission will become part of the public record files for this matter and will be released, if requested, to any person.
Town of Blind River Municipal Waste Management Plan Environmental Assessment: Task 1Report – Description of the Problem/Opportunity
APPENDIX B
PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE NO. 1 – NOTICE
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ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT BLIND RIVER MUNICIPAL WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN
The Town of Blind River has initiated the Environmental Assessment (EA) planning process to ensure that an adequate long-term waste management plan is established for its residents.
Prior to implementing the preferred measure(s), the Town of Blind River will require approval under the EA Act. The first key step in the EA planning process is the development of a Terms of Reference outlining the scope and approach to be taken during the completion of the EA. The Terms of Reference has been completed and was approved by the Minister of the Environment in 2008.
The Town has recently begun implementing the approach identified in the Terms of Reference. A Public Open House will be held on April 22, 2009 Public input is between the hours of 3pm to 5pm and 6pm to 8pm needed. Please at the municipal office to describe the process and participate! provide the opportunity for public input.
Information is available online at www.kresinengineering.ca or by contacting the consultant.
If you have any questions about this project, or if you would like to submit comments or be added to a mailing list, please contact:
Consultant: Chris Kresin Kresin Engineering Corporation 536 Fourth Line East Sault Ste. Marie, ON, P6A 5K8 Tel: 705-949-4900 Fax: 705-949-9965 Email: [email protected] Town of Blind River Municipal Waste Management Plan Environmental Assessment: Task 1Report – Description of the Problem/Opportunity
APPENDIX C
PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE NO. 1 – DISPLAY BOARDS
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TOWN OF BLIND RIVER WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT BACKGROUND
1. T he Blind R iver Municipal Landfill operates under Ministry of the Environment Certificate of Approval Number A 7138701, dated November 26, 1980 as amended on April 25th 1994 and January 6, 2000.
2. Previous to 2001, the property on which the landfill is located was owned by the Crown and the Town operated under a Land Use Permit from the Ministry of Natural Resources.
3. Recent Engineering studies and Ministry of the Environment inspections have identified the existence of waste deposited outside the approved fill area (FBAL – Fill Beyond Allowable Limits). The MOE requires that this be addressed and rectified by the Town.
4. Studies also indicate that the current capacity of the approved fill area is less than 6 years. When 10 years or less of landfill capacity remain, it is prudent for municipalities to initiate the process of identifying additional landfill capacity.
5. Considering the above, in 2005 Town Council initiated the required process under the Province’s Environmental Assessment (EA) Act to identify the best option to increase the Town’s landfill capacity and address the identified FBAL.
6. The Municipal Waste Management Plan EA Terms of Reference for the Town of Blind River was approved by the Minister of the Environment in July of 2008. The EA will now be prepared in accordance with the approved Terms of Reference.
7. Initial EA tasks include: problem definition; characterization of the study area environment; development of population growth projections and waste generation rates; and, documenting the existing waste management system.
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TOWN OF BLIND RIVER WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
PROBLEM STATEMENT
1. Recent studies completed by the Town of Blind River and inspections conducted by the Ministry of the Environment have identified concerns regarding the operation of and decreasing disposal capacity at the current municipal landfill site.
2. Landfill capacity has been determined to be less than 6 years, a time period which is considered close to maximized considering that the Town has implemented an effective waste diversion program.
3. Given the above, the Town needs to develop a long-term solution for its waste management needs.
4. The EA Planning Process will address the non-hazardous residential, industrial, commercial and institutional (IC&I), construction and demolition (C&D), biosolid and iron sludge wastes currently being disposed of at the Municipal landfill site.
5. The proposed planning period will range from 25 to 40 years (or other duration) depending on the preferred method identified during the EA Planning Process.
TOWN OF BLIND RIVER WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN
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ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
WASTE CHARACTERIZATION AND GENERATION
1. There are approximately 2,417 households within Typical Household the Study Area generating domestic solid waste. Waste Composition
Other 26% 2. Non-hazardous wastes are also produced by an Food 25% (wood, tires, estimated 477 IC&I establishments including retail furniture etc.) stores, offices, schools, medical clinics, refineries, building contractors and automotive garages. Yard 13%
Glass 5% Paper 24%
Ferrous 2% Aluminum Plastic 4% 1% 3. To ensure that the preferred waste management system can meet the needs of the community, annual waste volumes have been estimated for a 40 year planning period using an estimated 1% increase in population per annum and the current waste generation rate of 3.91m3 per person per year.
4. The E A will consider the potential to increase waste diversion in an effort to reduce the estimated annual volumes.
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TOWN OF BLIND RIVER WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
EXISTING WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
1. The collection of waste and recyclables is currently administered by Municipal Waste and Recycling Consultants (MWRC) under contract with the Town.
2. Waste is collected from residential households weekly and twice weekly from the IC&I sector. Dumpsters located throughout the municipality are also collected on a regular basis.
3. Residential recycling pickup occurs every second week and commercial recycling pickup occurs weekly.
4. Pickup of household bulk items including furniture, fridges, stoves, washer and dryers occurs on pre- selected days each month.
5. Residents and businesses requiring disposal at times other than scheduled pickup days can dispose of wastes at the landfill site during days the site is operational.
6. Household and IC&I solid non-hazardous wastes are accepted at the landfill site for disposal. Tires, scrap metals and white goods are also accepted at the site and are stockpiled in designated areas away from other wastes, pending shipment for recycling.
7. Materials currently accepted as part of the Town’s Blue Box recycling program include newspaper, magazines, household fine paper, telephone books, corrugated cardboard, boxboard, glass bottles and jars, steel and aluminum food and beverage containers, and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) #1 or high density polyethylene (HDPE) #2 plastic bottles.
8. Household hazardous wastes including corrosive, toxic, reactive and flammable wastes are collected by a qualified contractor on Household Hazardous Waste Days (HHWD) scheduled by the Town.
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NEXT STEPS IN THE PROCESS
1. The purpose of this Open House was to present the preliminary Task results to interested residents from the Town of Blind River and to provide the opportunity for input into the process.
2. Considering feed-back from this Open House and from the Government Review Team (GRT), a Task 1 summary report will be prepared to document activities, findings and public/GRT comments.
3. Task 2 (“Alternative Waste Management Systems and Diversion”) will be implemented with an anticipated completion in early 2010.
0508.04 Town of Blind River Municipal Waste Management Plan Environmental Assessment: Task 1Report – Description of the Problem/Opportunity
APPENDIX D
PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE NO. 1 – ATTENDANCE SHEET
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Town of Blind River Municipal Waste Management Plan Environmental Assessment: Task 1Report – Description of the Problem/Opportunity
APPENDIX E
PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE NO. 1 – SUMMARY OF COMMENTS RECEIVED
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Town of Blind River Municipal Waste Management Plan Environmental Assessment: Task 1Report – Appendix E
Table E.1 Summary of Comments and How they were/will be Addressed Comment Response Limits of the Study Area need to be corrected. Completed. Mapping has been revised. Hazardous wastes should be collected more Noted. Will be incorporated into Task 2 frequently. assessment of “alternatives to”. Locations for proposed sites should have been Premature. Alternative landfill sites (if identified at this open house. required) would be identified during Task 4 of the EA. Have other alternatives been investigated other “Alternatives to” the undertaking will be than a waste disposal site - i.e. incinerator or investigated during Task 2 of the EA. co-generation plant. If a new disposal area is Rehabilitation of the current landfill site, if required how will the old site be rehabilitated? required, will be addressed in its closure plan. The Town is required by Regulation to prepare a closure plan when closure is imminent (based on service life). Will plans be made to recover materials Landfill mining will be considered during the deposited in the old site from past years such assessment of alternative methods should as recyclable metals, plastics and other landfilling be identified as a preferred wastes? “alternative to” in Task 2 of the EA. Whatever sites are chosen they should have Noted. Will be incorporated into Task 2 area developed for disposal of hazardous waste assessment of “alternatives to”. and be operational when site is opened. Present site has been taking and burying Noted. Will be incorporated into Task 2 hazardous waste such as chemicals, assessment of alternative methods. medications, oils, paints, batteries, mercury light bulbs, pesticides, and so forth for years. If our present site is considered for future use it needs to be established that leaching of these materials are not leaving the site and contaminating surrounding lands and waters. Any future site needs to be constructed so that Noted. Will be incorporated into Task 2 hazardous waste and metals, plastics and glass assessment of “alternatives to”. are not being deposited. A tank for used motor oil should be incorporated where citizens can deposit vehicle oil and filters. Better control is needed to ensure separation of Noted. Will be incorporated into Task 2 recyclable materials being brought in by large assessment of “alternatives to”. trucks. A forty percent diversion rate as stated at the meeting should not be viewed as acceptable or "better than most other" when it would be simple to increase this percentage by passing by-laws and better enforcement.
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Town of Blind River Municipal Waste Management Plan Environmental Assessment: Task 1Report – Appendix E
Table E.1 Summary of Comments and How they were/will be Addressed Comment Response Staff employed at the site need to be Noted. Will be reviewed during Task 2 of the better educated and supervised to ensure all EA. The waste management plan may laws and regulations are being followed and ultimately include a review of the landfill not ignored. Staff should not be doing other Design and Operation report. These comments duties during the sites operating (open to will be considered further during that review. public) hours such as covering debris on machines. Composting of leaves should be done rather Noted. Will be incorporated into Task 2 than put in the landfill. Compost to be spread assessment of “alternatives to”. over the covered portion of the site to promote regeneration. Rehabilitation of covered areas needs to be done on an annual basis. Proposed future sites need to be constructed to Noted. Will be incorporated into subsequent prevent light plastic bags from leaving the area EA Tasks, including site design. via wind, animals or birds. Present site conditions allow these bags to end up in surrounding areas and the waters of the North Channel. A user pays system where the municipality Noted. Will be incorporated into Task 2 charges a per bag fee via a sticker system assessment of “alternatives to”. similar to many other municipalities should be considered. Only clear plastic bags with stickers would be collected and only picked up if recyclable materials were not present. This would create additional jobs in our community and would increase the life span of any future site. If eighty percent of our recycables were recovered the contractor would have more product to sell and the town might be able to lower the amount it pays to have it collected. Costs to property owners to have garbage collected might also be lowered. A bear proof fence should be planned around Noted. Will be incorporated into subsequent the future site. This would reduce the number EA Tasks, including site design. of bears being attracted to the site and reduce nuisance bear problems in adjacent residential areas.
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