The provincial Environmental Advisory Council is inviting Islanders to provide input on requirements for construction and demolition (C&D) disposal sites in Prince Edward Island.
The Environmental Advisory Council is appointed under the PEI Environmental Protection Act to advise the minister responsible on issues of environmental concern. This spring, Minister of Environment and Energy Jamie Ballem asked the council to review the current Waste Resource Management Regulations which govern C&D sites to ensure that they provide adequate protection for the environment and public interest and to consider future requirements for C&D sites in the province.
The subcommittee carrying out the review is co-chaired by Summerside lawyer Sherra Profit and Elmer MacDonald, a potato producer from Augustine Cove. Other members are Stan Campbell, president of the Federation of Prince Edward Island Municipalities; retired teacher Rudy Croken of Kensington; and Leslie Hartling, a recent graduate of the University of Prince Edward Island who is now working for the Bedeque Bay Environmental Management Association.
As part of the review, the subcommittee will be hosting three public meetings:
-Kings County - The Whim Inn, Pooles Corner, September 13, 7 pm
-Queens County - Bluefield High School, North Wiltshire, September 14, 7 pm
-Prince County - Royal Canadian Legion, Wellington, September 15, 7 pm
“Over the summer, we have met with a wide range of groups with an interest in C&D disposal sites, including site owners and applicants, contractors, and community groups,” said Ms. Profit. “We now want to open the discussion up to the general public to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to share their views.”
Islanders are invited to make a formal presentation or simply join in the discussion at the public meetings. Those who would like to make a formal presentation are asked to register by September 9, by calling (902) 368-5474. Individuals unable to attend a public meeting may also send written comments to the Department of Environment and Energy, Environmental Advisory Council C&D Subcommittee, 11 Kent Street, PO Box 2000, Charlottetown, C1A 7N8.
The Environmental Advisory Council will report its findings to the Minister of Environment and Energy by the end of the year.
Construction and demolition disposal sites are used for disposal of C&D debris which the regulations define as materials that are inert and not hazardous. That includes soil, asphalt, brick, mortar, drywall, plaster, cellulose, fibreglass fibres, gyproc, and lumber and wood that is not chemically treated.
The Waste Resource Management Regulations require C&D sites to meet specific design and operational requirements before they are approved, and owners must apply to the Department of Environment and Energy for a permit to construct or operate a site. The regulations include requirements on such things as setbacks from homes; groundwater monitoring; site security; and odour, dust and noise control.
Government announced a one-year moratorium on new C&D disposal sites in March of this year to allow for the comprehensive review of the Environmental Protection Act Waste Resource Management Regulations. The regulations can be found online at www.gov.pe.ca/law/regulations. The Environmental Advisory Council has a list of specific questions related to the regulations. For a copy of the questions or further information on the review, contact the Department of Environment and Energy at (902) 368-5474.