The Community of Hazelbrook, Maintenance Services Limited, and the Government of Prince Edward Island have signed an agreement with respect to the operation of the construction and demolition (C&D) disposal site in Hazelbrook.
The agreement, which was reached through a process of mediation and negotiation, addresses the community’s environmental and operational concerns, and resolves the legal actions related to the site.
“I want to commend representatives from the Community of Hazelbrook and Maintenance Services Ltd. for their willingness to sit down and negotiate a mutually-agreeable resolution,” said Minister of Environment, Energy and Forestry Jamie Ballem. “By working together through the mediation process, I believe we have reached an agreement that benefits all parties.”
Under the terms of the agreement, an Environmental Management Committee will be established for the C&D disposal site, consisting of representatives from the Community of Hazelbrook, Maintenance Services Ltd. and the Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry. The committee will meet on a regular basis to review the operation of the site. This will include reviewing water monitoring and inspection reports, reviewing the merits of any complaints regarding the C&D site from neighbours and members of the general public, and conducting site visits. The Environmental Management Committee will provide a report to the Minister of Environment, Energy and Forestry following each year of operation, summarizing its activities and outlining the issues addressed during the year.
As another measure to address environmental concerns, an environmental review will be carried out at the C&D disposal site. It will be co-ordinated by consultants representing the community and the operator, as well as a representative of the Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry.
Turning to issues related to the operation of the C&D disposal site in Hazelbrook, Maintenance Services Ltd. will take steps to: plant trees at the perimeter of the site to provide a visual buffer; pave the entry road leading into the site from Highway Route 1 to the existing location of the weigh station; and use best efforts to investigate further ways to reduce noise at the site. Maintenance Services Ltd. has also agreed to contribute to a Community Development Fund for the Community of Hazelbrook. The first contribution will be retroactive to January 1, 2006. The Community Council will administer the fund.
Subject to the Environmental Protection Act and its Regulations, Maintenance Services Ltd. will place a restrictive covenant on the C&D site property indicating that there shall be no expansion of the current C&D site for a period of four years.