Zero Waste 4 Zero Burning

Attn: News Editors
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thu Jan 14 2010

DURHAM INCINERATOR ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT REVIEW NOT ON TIME OR BUDGET

Durham Region — The environmental assessment study for Durham Region's waste incinerator project is not "on time and budget" as was previously stated by Durham Works Commissioner Cliff Curtis, say Durham residents watching the project. Residents are also alarmed that Durham Region councillors on the Works committee appear unconcerned about the possibility that the environmental assessment review will be flawed and, if the incinerator were approved, that human health and the environment could be impacted.

The Regions of York and Durham have submitted an amended EA study Friday November 27. The documents are posted on the Durham-York Waste EA site but are not easy to find.

For your convenience, we link to the amended study:
 - Notice of submission (PDF)
 - Full set of documents

The Durham-York incinerator (thermal treatment) project team has submitted the environmental assessment (EA) study to the Ontario Ministry of the Environment (MOE) Friday July 31. The final documents will be available on the project web site www.durhamyorkwaste.ca by Friday August 7. We have attached the formal notice of submission to this alert as a PDF file. The notice sets out the commenting period and locations where documents can be viewed.

Clarington's peer review of the Site Specific Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessment was not included in the report release Friday July 3 for discussion at Clarington General Purpose and Administration committee Monday July 6. In other words, councillors approved it sight unseen.

The file attached to this posting is Attachment #14 to the Clarington Peer Review Report PSD-071-09. Hard copies are available from the Municipality of Clarington Planning department.

Clarington's peer review report released Friday July 3 for discussion at Clarington General Purpose and Administration committee Monday July 6 9:30am.

The report is 100 pages and cannot be conveniently emailed. See the file attachment below. Hard copies are available from the Municipality of Clarington Clerks dept.

MEDIA RELEASE - Friday June 26, 2009

DURHAM INCINERATOR VOTE OVERLOOKED PROBLEMS

Durham Region, Fri June 26, 2009 -- Durham Region councillors who voted to
move the Durham incinerator project forward did so by ignoring significant
problems with the environmental assessment study, the lack of a detailed
business case, and glossed over the troubling environmental and labour
record of the selected contractor, Covanta Energy. Instead, longtime
incinerator supporters on council chose to repeat industry fairy tales or
attempted to divert attention from the subject.

Councillors heard from some 60 speakers during the course of the day and the evening Tuesday June 16. Speakers covered a variety of topics related to health, finances, greenhouse gases, risk assessment, labour issues and appeals to moral choices. Councillors listened politely and attentively. Perhaps not Councillor Johnson, though.

Speaking at council meetings — it's called "making a delegation" — is the best way to get the message to councillors. It shows them that you care enough about the issue to take time off work, arrange for daycare or change your plans for the day.

Register to speak at the June 24th Council meeting:
Register by Monday morning June 22nd 9:00am
By phone 905-668-7711 (toll free 1-800-372-1102) or by email clerks@durham.ca

Prepare your talk

The attached information sheet (PDF format) gives all the available contact information for regional and local councillors in Durham Region. Office, home and fax numbers and email addresses are routinely published by the councillors themselves during their election campaigns, and it is understood that you can contact them outside regular office hours.

Please let them know you are concerned about the incinerator project and urge them to stop it and work on safer, healthier and more sustainable alternatives.

Please share this video. Posted by Isaac Ransom.