In principle, OWMA supports…

In principle, OWMA supports the approach to allow some projects to follow a streamlined approval process with only designated projects subject to comprehensive environmental assessments. We recommend the following changes to waste project thresholds

• Under section 23 & 25, a comprehensive EA should be required for landfill projects that increase the total waste disposal volume by more than 375,000 cubic metres, or 25% if the change would increase the total waste disposal volume by more than 375,000 cubic metres.

Applying a 25% volume increase threshold for volume increases above 375,000 cubic metres is more reasonable and would allow more of Ontario’s larger public and private landfill sites (that currently manage about 70% of Ontario’s waste disposal) to follow a streamlined process for adding necessary waste capacity and aid in Ontario’s economic recovery. Environmental safeguards would be in place since these sites have already been subject to a comprehensive environmental assessment in their establishment. Our detailed comments are in the enclosed supporting document letter.