*NB that there is no content…

*NB that there is no content in this comment that prevents it from being published on the ERO website.

Dear Madam/Sir

Please accept this submission as Environment Hamilton's comments on the application to amend Regional Disposal Service's ECA - waste management site - for its location on Gage Avenue North in Hamilton.

We are aware of this facility as it has generated issues in the past with visible particulate pollution from the on-site processing/ chipping of materials like wood waste. On one occasion within recent years, there was a visible cloud of sawdust blowing east across Gage Avenue from the site. While it is our understanding that this activity will no longer occur on the site, we do have concerns about the company's interest in increasing allowable amounts of waste materials on site and including materials like asbestos on site - even if only to consolidate for shipment to treatment or final disposal facilities.

First - it must be noted that this facility is within close proximity to residential homes - located immediately to the south and across Gage Avenue to the southeast. The close proximity of this sensitive use is cause for concern when it comes to proper handling and storage of waste streams on site. The ECA for this facility needs to include strong conditions to ensure that there are no odour impacts from this operation. The company should post contact information - including telephone number and email - on the entrance to the facility so that anyone with concerns about impacts can report their concerns to the company. Related to this, we hope that the company is required - if it has not done so already - to develop best management practices to ensure that its waste streams do not impact on the surrounding neighbourhood through particulate generation or any other sort of off-site i migration.

Finally - we have concerns about the company's request for approval to handle asbestos waste at this location. Given the close proximity of residential homes, there need to be strong conditions within the ECA to ensure that this material will be handled in a manner that ensures that residents are not put at risk. This location is really not ideal for the acceptance of this waste given that it is located so close to residential properties. The closest residential homes literally abut the south side of the property at its western corner. There are other businesses immediately to the south.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this proposal.

Lynda Lukasik
Executive Director
Environment Hamilton