KAWARTHA LAKES - A Ministry of the Environment and City of Kawartha Lakes plan to allow Peterborough-based waste material to be used as daily cover material at the Lindsay-Ops Landfilll got a big thumbs down from the Public Review Committee (PRC) at its June 20 meeting.

It also touched off a larger debate on the city's plans to petition the M of E for landfill certification of approval (C of A) amendments to use alternative covers other than sand.

M o E senior environmental officer, Peterborough district, Cathy Curlew had approached the city about using the material.

In a letter to waste management operations supervisor Heather Dzurko, which was tabled at the meeting, Curlew said the waste material must be removed from the Peterborough Fish and Game Association property near Peterborough. She said it consists of compost-like material that contains concentrations of metals that exceed the ministry's compost quality guideline. However, she said the solid non-hazardous waste has been tested and deemed acceptable for use as daily cover material.

"The ministry supports the re-use of this waste material as a cover material and encourages the city to continue to work with SEG (Scott Environmental Group) and their consultant regarding the acceptance and use of the material," Curlew said in the letter.

Dzurko and manager of environmental services, David Kerr said the city was trying to do away with using sand, which costs $5.46/tonne and SEG was offering this material for free. However, receiving it would necessitate a change in the C of A.

Chairman Chris Appleton said he was concerned that the ministry and city were talking about out-of-jurisdiction "foreign material with some level of contamination" being brought in. I'm inclined to say 'no'. For $9,000 (the estimated cost savings) let's not take the risk."

Kerr said the material contained cadmium, but it was 0.037 parts per million, when the ministry allows .5 parts per million.

However, the committee voted against taking it.

The larger debate had to do with the city seeking a changed C of A, so it can use alternatives, such as soil, foundry sand, woodchips, compost, shingles and tarps, rather than sand. Kerr said it "could save ourselves a huge amount of money."

Dzurko said it would also extend the life of the landfill and save on operating costs. "We're just trying to be proactive . . . all we want is to be able to look for alternative daily cover." She said they would work with the M of E. Curlew, who attended the meeting, added that the current C of A is more restrictive to industry standard.

Kerr said one alternative would involve pulling pieces of plastic over waste. Dzurko said biofilm could also be investigated.

However, observer Brian Wilson said he had problems with changing the C of A. He said the use of tarps could result in an odour problem and lead to more vermin and said unscrupulous trucking operators could attempt to bring in material not covered under the C of A. "You want to change the certificate of approval. I don't think so," Wilson said.

Curlew said the city would have to adhere to regulations relating to litter, odour and dust.

Kerr added: "There are methods that have been used successfully at other sites. Maybe we could try some of these and keep an open mind. It is not going to work if it stinks the whole city up."

Appleton tried to seek a compromise, querying if a pilot project could be instituted.

Kerr said the city would like to try three or four different types of material and Curlew said the city could ask for a temporary, two-year, approval of a C of A change.

But Wilson said two years is too long. Staff said they would prepare a more detailed report for the committee.

Farms may get material

Wilson also raised concerns about the removal of sludge from lagoon six at the water pollution control plant, works expected to get underway this week.

He said he had been told the sludge would be trucked to farmers' fields and put on corn.

Wilson said he wanted to know "where it's going to go and how it's going to get there." He added he wants to know what is in it. "I'd like to know if PCBs are in there." He said he suspected there were other toxins and "I'd like to see a copy of what they are." He said the problem is that once a farmer receives the sludge they are responsible for it and any subsequent clean-up costs.

He added that he has heard that not everyone will receive grain from a farm that has used sludge.

Curlew said she believed the plan was to put the material on wheatfields after harvest. However, she said it was an Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs issue.

Wilson said he was happy to set up a meeting with Rob Gamache, the new regulatory compliance supervisor, environmental services. Kerr said he thought it was a good opportunity to take Wilson up on his offer and ask the questions.

-lisa.gervais@sunmedia.ca