I am a neighbouring…

I am a neighbouring landowner. I was alarmed to learn through the media of Dwayne Wilson's latest application to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) for a new hauled waste disposal site to be located at 6953 Falconbridge Drive, Melbourne. I was unable to comment on the previous Environment Registry of Ontariocapplication (019-3690) which closed on July 4, 2021. I understand that this previous application was withdrawn.

We are actively farming our neighbouring land. We had planned to building a home on this property, including a new private well as our water source.

This proposal by the Stool Bus is concerning for several reasons:
- As you may be aware, the proposed land for the hauled sewage disposal site is located in an area of productive farmland, including vegetable production. Designating a site for untreated septage disposal/application eliminates this site for productive farmland, including vegetable production.
- All surrounding residences rely on private well systems for their drinking water.
- A municipal drain crosses this property and is within the upstream portion of the St. Clair River Watershed.
- Strathroy-Caradoc has unique geological conditions, including the Caradoc sand formation, and a shallow sand aquifier.
- Untreated septage is not regulated like municipal wastewater, (stabilized/treated) municipal biosolids, or livestock manure. Human habits are becoming worse over time, as documented as municipalities are increasingly challenged with people flushing wipes, pharmaceuticals, FOG (fats, oils and grease), personal care products and even PPE (gloves and masks) down their drains. I am concerned that unwanted items found in the untreated septage would migrate to surrounding properties and surface water, if this application were approved.
- The City of London is currently completing the construction of a major upgrade to the Dingman Sanitary Pumping Station at a cost of approximately $20 M (in south London). This station accepts hauled waste and will provide enhanced treatment (screening and grit removal) before it enters the City's sanitary sewer system, and ultimately reaches the Greenway Wastewater Treatment Plant (where wastewater is further treated). Transporting hauled septage to the Dingman Pumping Station is an option (current and future option) to the Stool Bus, and other haulers. Dwayne has indicated in his previous media interviews that he would rather dump/land apply the hauled septage rather than transporting it and paying the applicable fees.
- The MECP has been reviewing its policy and program with respect to the management of hauled sewage (septage), including the land application of untreated septage for the last 20 years. It was back in 2002 that the MECP originally had a proposal to phase out all land application of untreated septage within a five year timeframe. I cannot believe that over 20 years later, the land application of untreated septage is considered a viable alternative with no treatment and only a handful of vague operational requirements/restrictions.

New sites for land application of untreated septage in southwestern Ontario are unnecesary, and in this case present significant environmental and public health concerns. We have municipal wastewater treatment facilities in reasonable proximity that provide the best solution for septage handling and treatment, from the standpoint of the environment as well protection of public helath.

This appication must be formally denied by the MECP to send a clear and strong message, and prevent similar applications in southwestern Ontario.