Minister of Environment, Energy and Forestry Jamie Ballem has released a report on the regulation of construction and demolition (C&D) debris sites in the province.
Entitled Recommendations for Regulation of Construction and Demolition Debris Sites in Prince Edward Island, the report was completed by the Environmental Advisory Council which is appointed under the Environmental Protection Act to advise the Minister on issues of environmental concern.
Last spring, Minister Ballem asked the council to review the current Waste Resource Management Regulations which govern C&D disposal 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 was co-chaired by Summerside lawyer Sherra Profit and Elmer MacDonald, a potato producer from Augustine Cove. Other members were Stan Campbell, president of the Federation of Prince Edward Island Municipalities; retired teacher Rudy Croken of Kensington; and Leslie Hartling, who works with the Bedeque Bay Environmental Management Association.
Minister Ballem commended the subcommittee for its work. During the consultation process, they held public meetings and met with a wide range of groups with an interest in C&D disposal sites, including site owners and applicants, contractors, and community groups.
“Committee members dedicated a great deal of time and effort gathering input from Islanders and compiling a comprehensive report on the management of construction and demolition debris,” said Minister Ballem. “I want to thank them for their work. Government will give careful consideration to all of the recommendations as we consider the future direction of C&D waste management in the coming months.”
The Environmental Advisory Council recommendations outline significant changes to the way C&D debris is handled in the province. The report includes 46 recommendations dealing with the ownership and number of C&D debris sites, design and operational requirements, and reduction of materials being disposed of at the sites. Among the key recommendations: Government move toward a publicly-run system that integrates C&D debris disposal with the operations of the Island Waste Management Corporation. Several materials currently accepted at C&D disposal sites such as wood and asphalt be banned and a policy of aggressive reuse and recycling of C&D debris be implemented to reduce the amount of debris being disposed of. The number of C&D debris disposal sites be reduced to two with a system of province-wide sorting stations and transfer stations established, using existing Waste Watch Drop-off Centres where possible. A permit process be implemented for deconstruction and demolition or burning of buildings over 1,000 square feet as a means of disposal. Setbacks from neighbouring properties, residential and institutional buildings, and watercourses be increased.
The complete report, Recommendations for Regulation of Construction and Demolition Debris Sites in Prince Edward Island, can be found online at www.gov.pe.ca/go/CandDreport
In the Legislative Assembly Tuesday, Minister Ballem introduced an amendment to the Environmental Protection Act which will prohibit the Minister from issuing approvals for new C&D sites until a date to be determined in the future. This will allow Government time to carefully consider the Environmental Advisory Council recommendations.