Comments submitted Oct 30/23…

Comments submitted Oct 30/23
Re: ERO 019-6963 – Streamlining environmental permissions for waste management systems under the Environmental Activity and Sector Registry.

I do not support the proposed changes in ERO 019-6963. These changes are not “smarter”, and they do not make environmental protection a priority! The Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) is responsible to protect the environment.

All waste management systems have the potential to cause serious harm to human health and the environment.

Our government must be responsible for thoroughly inspecting details of all proposals for waste management operations. A proper review of applications for all waste operations will help to avoid project failures, clean-up and potential costs to the public. It is difficult to remedy a disaster after the fact.

This proposal conflicts with the Environmental Bill of Rights, 1993 by removing the right to public participation and third-party appeal. All waste management proposals must involve public input and discussion prior to government officials approving the commencement of operations.

The public must be involved in discussions regarding waste management systems. When people are involved in making decisions about waste, they grow to appreciate the importance of waste reduction, reuse, recycling and composting, and how the environment and their finances are impacted by waste.

Public participation and government oversight and enforcement are essential elements if Ontario is to achieve success in our waste reduction goals.