1.0 Scope of Disclosure

Transcription

November 2006
Dale Ozdoba
Director Post Collection, Landfills and Recycling
Waste Management of Canada Corporation
12707 - 170th Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5V 1L9
Dear Dale
Re:
Proposed WMCC Thorhild Landfill
Regulatory disclosure document
Further to your recent instructions, please find following the regulatory disclosure information for
the proposed Waste Management of Canada Corporation (“WMCC”) Thorhild Landfill (“the
Landfill”).
This submission is intended to meet the requirements of Section 1.0 (Disclosure
Process) of the Standards for Landfills in Alberta (“Standards for Landfills”), published by Alberta
Environment in May 2004.
1.0
Scope of Disclosure
The purpose of this disclosure document is to allow Alberta Environment to identify significant
regulatory flaws (if any) in the proposed project, and to offer guidance regarding any
modifications to the proposed work plan which would facilitate the approval process.
The current document addresses the following aspects of the proposed project:
introduction to the project proponent;
overview of proposed project, including the need for the project;
4246 – 97th Street
proponent’s understanding of regulatory process;
Edmonton, Alberta
outline of proposed approach to establishment of environmental baseline data;
outline of proposed approach to design, operational, monitoring and closure;
outline of proposed approach to public consultation; and
a schedule for the critical items leading to the filing of an application.
Adelantar Consulting
Suite 203
T6E 5Z9
A division of 1219146
Alberta Ltd
T: +1.780.932.3434
\\G4xserver\projects\2006\Adelantar 2006\WMCC\Project X\Reports\Disclosure Document\Thorhild discl final_ai.doc
Dale Ozdoba, WMCC
Thorhild Landfill, Regulatory disclosure document
November 2006
2.0
Overview of Proposed Project and Proponent
2.1
Location and local setting
The Landfill will be located in the County of Thorhild approximately 3km south of the Hamlet of
Newbrook, as shown on Figure 1, and will be located within Section 19 - Township 61 - Range 20
th
- west of the 4 Meridian.
The Landfill is surrounded primarily by relatively flat-lying land that is used predominantly for
agricultural purposes, including cattle grazing, crop land and peat farms.
The site under
consideration is approximately 1 km west of Highway 63, and is bounded to the north by
Township Road 614, to the east by Range Road 205, and to the west by Range Road 210. A
Canadian National Rail line runs parallel to and northwest of Highway 63. The proposed location
of the landfill relative to surrounding geographic features is illustrated on Figure 2. The proposed
location of the landfill relative to surrounding residences is illustrated on Figure 3.
2.2
Project proponent
2.2.1
WMCC company description
WMCC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Waste Management Incorporated, and is a leading
provider of comprehensive waste management services, offering advanced residential,
commercial and industrial collection, recycling and disposal services throughout North America.
2.2.2
WMCC in Alberta
WMCC employs 415 people in Alberta, 200 of whom live and work in northern Alberta. The
company’s Alberta operation currently includes landfills in Big Valley and West Edmonton, and
recycling facilities in Edmonton and Red Deer.
In addition, WMCC operates the City of
Edmonton’s single stream recycling facility under contract.
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Dale Ozdoba, WMCC
November 2006
During the time in which they have been operated by WMCC, neither the Big Valley nor the West
Edmonton landfill has been cited by Alberta Environment for contravention of environmental
legislation. In addition, there has not been a recordable negative impact on groundwater at either
of these locations while under WMCC ownership.
2.2.3
WMCC agreement with Thorhild County
In Spring 2006, WMCC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with the County of
Thorhild (“the County”), which allowed WMCC to begin the formal siting process for a Class II
landfill within the County. The County of Thorhild and the Village of Thorhild are members of the
Thorhild Regional Waste Management Services Commission (“the Commission”), It is indicated
in the MOU that the proposed landfill project is intended to provide benefit to Commission
members.
The MOU outlines the principles that form the basis of a formal hosting agreement to be signed in
the future which is to include conditions that address operational criteria, and financial and other
long-term benefits to the County and to the Commission.
2.3
Project benefits
WMCC believes the Landfill will benefit residents and the community in the following ways:
by providing a waste disposal option for the Commission, which will allow the
Commission to close existing landfills within the County;
by providing job opportunities in the local region.
WMCC will need personnel and
contractors to construct and operate the landfill and to provide waste transportation. It is
expected that the project will create approximately 30 jobs between hauling contractors
and WM operations staff;
by using local suppliers and contractors whenever reasonably possible; and
by contributing money to the community through a variety of funding mechanisms
potentially including hosting fees, royalty payments and community programs.
In
addition, WMCC will make a number of one-time payments to the County over the life of
the project.
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Dale Ozdoba, WMCC
November 2006
2.4
Project need
The Minister of Environment in Alberta has indicated that his vision for Alberta includes 'no new
landfills by 2020'.
To accommodate this vision, municipalities and private companies must
develop new facilities or ensure that existing facilities will have enough capacity for a significant
lifespan.
The West Edmonton Landfill (which is currently owned and operated by WMCC, and receives
3
approximately 600,000m of waste per year from numerous institutional, commercial, industrial
and municipal customers in northern Alberta), is expected to reach capacity in 5 to 7 years at
current waste input rates. A replacement for this important disposal facility for will be needed
prior to the expiry of air-space at the West Edmonton facility.
It is understood that the existing landfills operated by the Commission are proceeding towards
imminent closure in accordance with commitments made by the Commission to Alberta
Environment. Alternate waste disposal arrangements are needed by the Commission members
for wastes that are currently disposed at these facilities. These wastes would be accommodated
by the proposed project.
On the basis of the above, it is apparent that the proposed Thorhild Landfill project would allow
the proponent to provide uninterrupted waste management service to the company’s existing
clients, the local community and other waste generators in and around the Alberta Capital
Region.
2.5
Regulatory setting
The Waste Control Regulation under the Alberta Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act,
and the Standards for Landfills provide the current regulatory requirements for the siting, design,
1
construction, closure and monitoring of landfills in Alberta . The Standards for Landfills includes
1
Until the updated regulatory revisions are legislated, the Standards will only apply to landfills or lateral
expansions as required by the Director issuing landfill approvals or reviewing applications for registration. It
is expected that those responsible for landfills, including consultants, will use the Standards to prepare
approval and registration applications and improve landfill design, operation, and closure measures.
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Dale Ozdoba, WMCC
November 2006
an outline of the minimum requirements for development, operation, monitoring, closure and the
post-closure care of Class I, Class II, and Class III landfills, and have been taken as the principal
source of regulatory guidance in the development of the project to date.
2.6
Nature of application
An application will be made for an Operating Approval for a Class II landfill under the Alberta
Environment Protection and Enhancement Act. It is expected that separate applications will be
filed with the following agencies for activities related to the project (as required);
Alberta Environment (for a Licence under the Alberta Water Act regarding the use and
diversion of water, if required);
Thorhild County (for a Development Permit under the Land Use Bylaw); and
Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation (for a permit to develop a turn bay, acceleration
and deceleration lanes on Highway 63, if required).
2.7
Overview of key design features
The Landfill project will include the following key design features:
lined landfill containment design;
landfill gas management system;
leachate management system; and
surface water management system.
2.8
Project logistics
The key project logistics are:
Landfill Footprint and Life Span
The application will request approval for landfilling activities within the area illustrated on the Site
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November 2006
Plan presented as Figure 4. The Landfill is expected to have a life span of greater than 50 years,
depending on the input rate of waste to the facility.
Waste types
The application will request approval to accept the following materials into the facility:
For disposal:
municipal solid waste;
non-hazardous industrial and oilfield solid waste; and
other waste which meets the disposal requirements for disposal at a Class II
landfill.
For treatment:
treatable hydrocarbon contaminated soil; and
other waste not described above, upon authorization of Alberta Environment.
Projected Employment and Preference for Local Sourcing
The project is expected to result in the creation of 30 direct and indirect full time positions, plus
the possibility of additional part-time and/or contract positions.
3.0
Baseline Assessments
Assessments will be completed to establish environmental baseline conditions, which can be
compared with data collected during the operation and post-closure period of the Landfill to
determine the extent of the effects (if any) of the Landfill on the local receiving environment.
The following baseline assessments will be undertaken:
groundwater conditions.
This assessment will include sampling and testing of
landowner water wells within 5.0 km of the Landfill (as listed in the AENV database and
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Dale Ozdoba, WMCC
November 2006
other water well databases, where these wells still exist, and with the authorization of the
owner of the well).
hydrogeologic setting. The geologic and hydrogeologic setting of the land within the
proposed landfill area will be established by completing groundwater monitor wells at 200
m spacings over the entire footprint of the subject site. Select locations will have nested
groundwater monitor wells installed to determine the vertical component of groundwater
flow. The geologic setting of the site will be investigated to a depth of at least 35 m below
the expected base of the waste. Water level measurements, a survey of the elevations of
the groundwater wells and hydraulic conductivity response testing will be completed to
allow for the determination of groundwater flow directions and rate of groundwater
movement.
A detailed hydrogeologic section of the application will include:
a
description
of
the
topography,
surface
drainage
patterns,
geology,
hydrogeology, existing and surrounding land use within 1 km of the proposed
site;
a drawing showing the proposed site in relation to:
adjacent development and infrastructure;
natural and constructed physical features such as streams, rivers, water
bodies, canals and drainage controls;
domestic, municipal and other licensed water well locations within 5 km
of the proposed site; and
municipal wellhead protection zones;
a detailed site plan showing;
surface topography; and
locations and surface elevation of all boreholes and monitoring wells;
the profile and depths of the topsoil and subsoil;
detailed borehole records showing the geologic and hydrologic conditions
encountered and depth of all major stratigraphic features;
cross-sections showing:
an interpretation of the geologic stratigraphy;
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November 2006
directions and rates of groundwater flow, and
hydraulic conductivities of the geologic strata that influences or control
groundwater movement;
a detailed text interpretation of the hydrologic and hydrogeologic conditions on a
regional and local scale; and
if applicable, a recommendation for landfill development including:
the area suitable of landfilling; and
the landfill design performance requirements based on the hydrologic
and hydrogeologic conditions.
surface water conditions. This assessment will include provision for sampling and
testing of surface water bodies (including dugouts) within 1.6 km of the Landfill. The
assessment will include the following:
sampling of dugouts (as noted visually on a 2003 air photo and where they still
exist) within 2.5 km (1.5 miles) of the site;
sampling of natural water bodies (where they are not dry).
In addition, surface water flow patterns and surface water users within a 5 km radius of
the site will be identified.
soil conditions. This assessment will be based on the following approach:
a soil survey will be conducted within the planned development area at a Survey
Intensity Level (SIL1) utilizing a grid spacing of approximately 150 m between
inspection points (equivalent to 1 inspection per 2.25 ha); and
a soil survey will be conducted within the future development area at a Survey
Intensity Level (SIL2) utilizing a grid spacing of approximately 300 m between
inspection points (equivalent to 1 inspection per 9 ha).
vegetation conditions. This assessment will be based on a characterization of predisturbance vegetation, to achieve the following objectives:
allow sensitive vegetation communities and plants (e.g. rare plants) to be
identified and mitigation measures adopted to reduce project impacts;
determine appropriate vegetation species for reclamation;
ascertain whether the area supports non-native or invasive plant species; and
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November 2006
develop appropriate weed management plans (in accordance with the Alberta
Weed Control Act).
The presence of rare plants and rare plant communities will be determined by searching
the Alberta Natural Heritage Information Centre (ANHIC) provincial database for existing
records. The technical report will also include a discussion of:
the distribution and proportion of vegetation types (i.e., grassland, shrubland,
forest, agricultural, etc.);
a list of observed species;
a list of rare or sensitive plants or vegetation communities (if any); and
a list of non-native or invasive weed species (if any).
birds and wildlife. This assessment will comprise a screening level review so that
existing wildlife, wildlife habitats and wildlife-related issues (e.g. presence of critical
habitats and/or wildlife species of concern) can be documented. This assessment will
include a review of published data, identification of any species of special concern and
potential wildlife issues, and an inspection of the site.
traffic conditions. This assessment will be based on the following approach:
establishment of pre-development conditions based on existing traffic reports,
available traffic counts, existing roadway geometry, traffic control devices and
growth rates;
development of background traffic growth projections at commencement of
Landfill operation and for a 20-year horizon;
estimation of the traffic that will be generated by the proposed development, and
distribution of this traffic to the adjacent road network; and
evaluation of the impacts of the Landfill-generated traffic on the intersection of
Highway 63 and proposed access road into the site for the following traffic
conditions.
The assessment would also include signal warrant, lane warrant and illumination warrant
analyses in accordance with applicable guidelines, plus a capacity analysis and
interpretation.
noise conditions. This assessment will be based on the following approach:
baseline monitoring;
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November 2006
construction of a noise model to predict sound impacts;
noise assessment modelling;
comparison of model results to assessment criteria;
identification of mitigation measures (if any);
noise monitoring at a landfill of similar character (size, equipment, topography,
etc.) provided that an appropriate site is identified.
historical resources overview and historical resources impact assessment. These
tasks will include the preparation of a detailed Historical Resources Overview (HRO).
The HRO permits the identification of the key historical resource issues that may affect
the project, and includes the following:
the identification of the historical resource nature of the region, both in terms of
currently known historical resources and historical resource locations yet to be
identified; and
the provision of recommendations regarding the need for, and nature of, an
Historical Resources Impact Assessment.
The HRO key activity comprises a review of records of previously identified historical
resource locations, to determine whether an historical resource site is located within or
immediately adjacent to the proposed development area. If recommended by the HRO,
an Historical Resources Impact Assessment (HRIA) would be initiated. This would result
in the identification of the nature and condition of currently known historical resources in
relation to the development area, as well as providing an opportunity to locate previously
undiscovered historical resources that may exist within the development zone and may
be potentially subject to development impacts.
line of sight conditions.
The current sight lines in the vicinity of the proposed
development will be characterized, and a variety of landfill configurations will be modelled
to determine how neighbours will be impacted visually. Buffer areas will be developed
and planted to minimize or remove visual impacts.
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November 2006
4.0
Proposed Concepts
4.1
Location relative to existing features
The regulatory setback distances that would control the placement of waste on the property are
summarized in the following table.
Reference legislation
Constraint
Alberta Public Health Act
No person shall locate a landfill so that an area where waste is or
Nuisance and General
may be disposed of is located within 450 metres of a water well.
Sanitation Regulation
243/2003 Section 14(1)
Alberta Municipal
A subdivision authority shall not approve an application for
Government Act
subdivision, and a development authority shall not issue a permit,
Subdivision and
for the purposes of developing a landfill, hazardous waste
Development Regulation
management facility or storage site unless
43/2002 Section 13(4)
(a) the working area of a landfill is situated at least 450 metres,
(b) the disposal area of a landfill is situated at least 300 metres,
(c) the working or disposal area of a hazardous waste
management facility is situated at least 450 metres, and
(d) the working area of a storage site is situated at least 300
metres from the property line of a school, hospital, food
establishment or residence or building site proposed for a school,
hospital, food establishment or residence.
Alberta Public Highways
The erection or placement of a development within
Development Act
(a) 300 metres of a controlled highway, or
Highway Development
(b) 800 metres from the centre point of an intersection of a
Control Regulation 242/90
controlled highway and another highway or other public roadway,
Section 2
without a permit is prohibited.
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November 2006
Reference legislation
Constraint
Transport Canada
Aircraft zoning regulations are enacted to prohibit the use of land
Publication (TP) 1247
outside airport property boundaries where such land uses are
Land Use in the Vicinity of
hazardous to aircraft operations. Provisions must be made for
Airports, Section 3.2
prohibiting the location of garbage dumps, food waste landfill sites
... within 8km of an aerodrome reference point.
The regulatory authorizations held under the Alberta Water Resources Act, Water Act and
Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act within approximately 2 miles of the proposed
Landfill boundary are summarized in the following table.
Document
Details
Holder
Legislation
00027183-00-00 Regner, WR, 24430
Arnold Regner
Water Resources Act
00027184-00-00 Regner, WR, 24430
Arnold Regner
Water Resources Act
00162762-00-00 Newbrook / Registration / Bernie Regner
Water Act
Regner Bernie - F24430
00194436-00-00 Newbrook / Stock / Regner Bernie Regner
Water Act
Bernie - F24430
00022229-00-00 County of Thorhild, WR,
County of Thorhild No. 7 Water Resources Act
51464
00166303-00-00 Newbrook / Registration / Cramer Farms
Water Act
Cramer Farms
00027183-00-00 Regner, WR, 24430
Martha Regner
Water Resources Act
00027184-00-00 Regner, WR, 24430
Martha Regner
Water Resources Act
00163034-00-00 Newbrook / Registration / Gory Nendze
Water Act
Nendze
00152288-00-00 Newbrook / Registration / Raymond Nendze
Water Act
Nendze Raymond
00224543-00-00 Newbrook / Registration / Raymond Nendze
Water Act
Nendze Raymond
00196218-00-00 Newbrook / Stock /
Ilke Herrmann
Water Act
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Dale Ozdoba, WMCC
November 2006
Document
Details
Holder
Legislation
Herrmann
00196218-00-00 Newbrook / Stock /
Ronald Herrmann
Water Act
Herrmann
00161414-00-00 Newbrook / Registration / Wendell Stauffer
Water Act
Stauffer Wendell F00161414
00080864-00-00 Newbrook / Flood Control / County of Thorhild No. 7 Water Act
County Of Thorhild No. 7 F51528
00160229-00-00 Newbrook / Registration / Floyd & Cheryl Felun
Water Act
Floyd & Cheryl Fedun F00160229
00207235-00-00 Newbrook Class II Land
Miles McKee
& Enhancement Act
Treatment Of SCH
00032262-00-00 Herrmann, WR, 19029
Environmental Protection
Ilke Herrmann
00165092-00-00 Newbrook / Registration / Regan & Kim Herrmann
Water Resources Act
Water Act
Herrmann
00027951-00-00 Herrmann, WR, 23467
Ilke Herrmann
00165041-00-00 Newbrook / Registration / Ronald & Regan & Ilke
Herrmann
Water Resources Act
Water Act
Herrmann
00166292-00-00 Abee / Registration / Tony Tony & Jolanda Panich
Water Act
& Jolanda Panich
00162783-00-00 Abee / Registration /
Thomas Parsons
Water Act
Jim Panich
Water Act
Ronald Cardy
Water Act
Parsons Thomas F00162783
Panich Jim
Cardy Ronald F00154236
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Dale Ozdoba, WMCC
November 2006
Document
Details
Holder
Legislation
Wilbert Koistinen
Water Act
Wilbert Koistinen
Water Resources Act
Koistinen Wilbert A
00025218-00-00 Koistinen, WR, 26065
00146061-00-00 Newbrook / Registration / Richard Kirk
Water Act
Kirk Richard - F00146061
00137316-01-00 Newbrook / WMF /
Municipal Landfill
Thorhild Regional Waste Environmental Protection
Management Services
& Enhancement Act
Commission
The licences held for wells by the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board within approximately 2 miles
of the proposed Landfill boundary are summarized in the following table.
License
Status
Location
Well name
153371
Dry and abandoned
03-31-061-20W4
Conoco Newbrook 3-31-61-20
40173
Dry and abandoned
04-29-061-20W4
Berk et al Newbrook 4-29-61-20
44768
Dry and abandoned
06-25-061-21W4
Mikas Amoco Abee 6-25-61-21
147021
Abandoned gas well
06-28-061-20W4
ACL Newbrook 6-28-61-20
147021
Gas well
06-28-061-20W4
149950
Abandoned gas well
06-29-061-20W4
219444
Abandoned gas well
07-07-061-20W4
Big Sky Hollow 7-7-61-20
219444
Gas well
07-07-061-20W4
219444
Abandoned gas well
07-07-061-20W4
43220
Dry and abandoned
07-14-061-21W4
Mikas Abee 7-14-61-21
329444
Gas well
07-17-061-20W4
Kelso Energy Sifton Newbr 7-17-61-20
59390
Abandoned gas well
07-20-061-20W4
PEOC Newbr 7-20-61-20
59390
Abandoned gas well
07-20-061-20W4
PEOC Newbr 7-20-61-20
62215
Abandoned gas well
11-16-061-20W4
Devon Newbr 11-16-61-20
148200
Dry and abandoned
11-19-061-20W4
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License
Status
Location
Well name
322973
Gas well
11-30-061-20W4
Geocan Newbr 11-30-61-20
355256
Standing/potential/c
11-16-061-20W4
Sifton et al Newbrk 12-16-61-20
152170
Suspended gas well
12-32-061-20W4
152170
Gas well
12-32-061-20W4
170514
Dry and abandoned
14-18-061-20W4
340148
Gas well
15-07-061-20W4
TKE et al Hollow 15-7-61-20
152489
Abandoned gas well
06-30-061-20W4
Conoco Newbrook 6-30cy-61-20
4.2
Configuration
The disposal footprint and infrastructure proposed for the Landfill are shown on Figure 4.
4.3
Land ownership and control
The land on which the Landfill will be developed will be owned by WMCC.
4.4
Landfill services
The hours of operation are anticipated to be 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM from Monday to Saturday with
some variance for specific waste streams. Part of the WMCC proposal includes working with the
Commission to convert existing landfills within the County to transfer stations so as not to
significantly alter existing traffic flows.
4.5
Landfill landform
The final surface of the Landfill will be developed on the basis of the following principles:
final Landfill slopes will be between 5 and 30 percent and will utilize steady continuous
grades to promote the drainage of surface water; and
capping of the Landfill will occur concurrently with the development of new landfill cells to
reduce infiltration of surface water into the waste.
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November 2006
4.6
Design and operational basis
The Landfill will be developed progressively, on a schedule within which there will be excavation,
filling and capping conducted on an ongoing basis.
Topsoil and subsoil will be salvaged
separately during the construction of the cells, and will be stockpiled for use in progressive
reclamation of the site. Stockpile locations will be selected so as to minimize multiple handling of
the materials, and will include un-used areas of the municipal landfill footprint if appropriate.
Salvaged topsoil and subsoil will be used during reclamation of the Landfill. Care will be taken to
ensure conservation of the salvaged soil stockpiles. Salvaged topsoil and subsoil stockpiles will
not be commingled.
4.7
Containment system (lining and leachate management)
The containment system for the Landfill will include lining and leachate collection and removal
systems on the base and side-slopes of the cells to control the migration of leachate from the
Landfill. The lining system will consist of a composite liner comprising a geomembrane liner
directly overlying a 0.6m thick compacted clay liner.
A leachate management system will be installed to allow for the collection and removal of any
liquid that percolates through the waste mass. The base of the Landfill will be designed to slope
towards one or more sumps at the perimeter of the cells so that the leachate can be extracted
from the Landfill as required. Any accumulation of leachate in the leachate collection system,
which exceeds a specified depth above the liner, will be removed.
4.8
Liquid management
Liquid management provisions within the Landfill will include:
run-on control systems, which will manage surface water flows draining towards the
developed portions of the Landfill from undisturbed areas;
run-off control systems, which will manage surface water flows draining from the
completed and capped portions of the Landfill; and
leachate control systems, which will manage liquids which percolate through waste and
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Dale Ozdoba, WMCC
November 2006
are collected above the base containment system, and contact water which has been in
contact with waste and may have become contaminated with dissolved or suspended
materials from the waste pile.
Berms and ditches/culverts along the perimeter of the Landfill will prevent surface water run-on
entering the landfill cell from the surrounding area. This surface water run-on will be diverted
from each landfill cell around the developed portion of the site to natural drainage patterns as
practicable. Run-off from the active areas of the landfill will be directed to a surface water storage
pond for on-site use, or for controlled release to natural overland flow system following
confirmation that the water meets specified quality objectives.
Leachate generated within the cells will be contained on-site. Based on leachate quality the
leachate will either be used on-site, treated on-site, or removed and treated or disposed off-site.
4.9
Landfill gas management
Landfill gas management provisions will include an active gas management system to either
capture and destroy, or use the gas to produce energy.
4.10
Capping structure
A final cap will be constructed above the waste once final elevations are achieved, in progression
with the Landfill activities and operation. The capping structure will be developed within the
detailed design of the Landfill, and will generally comprise the following components:
a barrier layer, comprising compacted site soil or a geomembrane, and intended to
control the infiltration of moisture into the waste; and
a surface layer, comprising organic material capable of supporting vegetation in a
sustainable configuration.
The cap will be designed to perform the following functions:
promote the shedding of rainfall and snow-melt from the Landfill;
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Dale Ozdoba, WMCC
November 2006
protect against physical exposure of the waste; and
protect against erosion through the establishment of a vegetated layer.
Comprehensive details of the proposed capping materials and thicknesses will be included in the
application for Approval.
5.0
Environmental Monitoring Plan
Environmental monitoring programs will be developed for the Landfill, and will comprise the
following elements:
groundwater monitoring program;
leachate monitoring program;
landfill gas monitoring program; and
surface water monitoring program.
The environmental monitoring plans will be developed based on the following approach:
to establish baseline and ongoing background conditions; and
to detect landfill derived effects on those conditions (if any).
5.1
Groundwater monitoring program
A permanent system for monitoring groundwater levels and groundwater quality will be installed
and developed at the site prior to initiating disposal operations. Wells will be situated both upgradient and down-gradient of the landfill development area to assess both baseline groundwater
quality and potential impacts of the landfill on groundwater quality, respectively, within the
uppermost water-bearing formation.
The Application for Approval will include a detailed groundwater monitoring plan, which will define
analytical parameters, the compliance boundary, monitoring frequencies, and a contingency and
response plan.
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5.2
Leachate monitoring program
The leachate monitoring program will include periodic leachate quality monitoring and leachate
head monitoring. The details pertaining to the monitoring frequencies, the analytical parameters,
and the contingency and response plan will be included in the Application for Approval.
5.3
Surface water monitoring program
The surface water monitoring program will include monitoring of area surface water.
The
Application for Approval will provide details with regard to the locations for sampling, the
analytical parameters, the sampling frequency and a contingency and response plan.
The surface water management system will be regularly inspected for any signs of deterioration
or damage. Substandard conditions will be noted during inspections and repaired as required.
5.4
Landfill gas monitoring
The wastes which will be accepted at the Landfill may produce landfill gas. This gas will be
monitored and managed to maintain safe conditions in and around the fill area. A Landfill Gas
Monitoring Plan will be included in the Application for Approval and will include monitoring
locations, parameters and frequencies as well as contingency triggers and response plans.
5.5
Maintenance and inspection
Landfill maintenance and inspections will be completed on a periodic basis.
The details
pertaining to these activities will be included in the Application for Approval.
5.6
Potential impacts and mitigative measures
The potential impacts and mitigative measures that are reasonably foreseeable during the current
planning and design stage of the Landfill are identified below and will be addressed in detail as
part of Application:
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Dale Ozdoba, WMCC
November 2006
groundwater impacts;
surface water impacts;
dust;
odour;
noise;
litter;
wildlife; and
soil and land use.
6.0
Public Consultation
WMCC wishes to ensure stakeholders and the public are engaged, involved and have an
opportunity to review and comment on proposals for the planning, design, operation and end land
use of the Landfill. The company has consequently designed a public involvement process and
program to meet these objectives. The program is based around the following components:
written notification of the project to County residents;
public Open Houses;
public Store Front events;
project web site;
a toll-free project telephone line; and
a project newsletter.
In addition, WMCC staff have been and will continue to be available to answer questions and
provide information on an as-requested basis.
It is expected that three Open Houses, two series of Store Fronts, and two newsletters will be
released before the Application for Approval is submitted. The results of the public involvement
program will be used to support the decisions of WMCC to identify appropriate plans, designs and
the use of development and construction techniques that will meet long-term requirements for
legal, environmental, economic and socially responsible operations at the Landfill.
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Dale Ozdoba, WMCC
November 2006
6.1
Characteristics of public involvement program design and implementation
The public involvement process and program will follow methods that allow people to identify
issues, interests and concerns related to the site potential location, plans and operation that may
affect them.
A WMCC Public Involvement Guide (June 2006) has been prepared, and will
provide a strategy and framework for the WMCC project team and their consultants.
The
methods will allow participants to conveniently participate and to understand the following:
the company’s interest and focus in establishing a new landfill site in the proposed
location;
the nature and requirements of a regulatory application that will apply and the regulatory
review and decision process;
the request for public involvement and the role that public involvement will play in
decision making;
how the record of data provided by the public will be kept and reported, particularly to
those who actively participated;
how results will be used in both decision making by WMCC in the development of the
application and in the regulatory review and decision process; and
the process and program is designed to be flexible so that any new or changing
requirements for public involvement can be incorporated.
6.2
Public involvement methods and schedule
The following public involvement methods and schedule are in place:
public Open Houses – these will be held at halls in the local community to provide
people the opportunity speak face-to-face with company representatives on issues of
concern and/or interest (e.g. water quality, air quality, noise, traffic, types of waste, future
plans, neighbour relations, financial and other benefits which can accrue to the
community). Interests, needs and questions will be collected in conversation and noted
so they can be addressed in the project application to Alberta Environment;
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Dale Ozdoba, WMCC
November 2006
Store Front opportunities – a store front allows people to drop in and speak informally
about the project proposal. Located at an easily accessible and well known location,
store
fronts
will
alternate
between
venues
within
the
community
Company
representatives will be there and provide people with access to information about WMCC,
the project proposal and opportunities for involvement. People will be encouraged to
identify their issues and needs and provide comments on the public involvement process
and the project;
one-on-one contact with project decision makers – WMCC project representatives
will be available for direct contact should people wish it. They will be available to provide
presentations to groups, have individual conversations with people who wish to learn
more about the project or provide their comments on the project proposal;
newsletters – newsletters will be prepared throughout the project assessment and
application process.
They will be used to report results of the public involvement
process, including the issues, needs and questions people provided along with the
company’s responses. Project contact information will be provided to allow people to
make convenient, direct contact with key company staff to obtain information or ask
questions; and
project website – this website, www.thorhildproject.ca, will provide project updates,
uploads, opportunities for public comment and feedback collection.
In addition to the above, WMCC has committed to developing a Neighbourhood Advisory
Committee that will be operational prior to opening of the Landfill.
The following outline schedule is established for public consultation activities by end 2006:
three Open Houses (Newbrook, Thorhild, Radway);
two series of Store Front events (Newbrook and Thorhild); and
two newsletters.
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Dale Ozdoba, WMCC
November 2006
7.0
Financial Security
Financial security requirements for the closure and post-closure of an approved landfill are
contained in the Alberta Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act and Regulations.
Section 84(1) of this Act provides the following requirements:
“… an applicant for or a holder of an approval, a registration, a remediation
certificate, a certificate of qualification or a certificate of variance shall provide
financial or other security and carry insurance in respect of the activity or thing to
which the approval, registration, remediation certificate, certificate of qualification
or certificate of variance relates.”
The basis of the estimate will be taken to be a ‘default’ on the part of the Approval holder, such
that the security would represent the activities and costs associated with instantaneous closure of
the Landfill at the time of Approval-holder default.
Details including a spreadsheet basis of calculation will be provided with the Application.
8.0
Proposed Schedule
Item
Target dates
Alberta Environment response to disclosure
January 2007
Filing of the application
June 2007
Alberta Environment issue of draft Approval
Fall 2007
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Dale Ozdoba, WMCC
November 2006
9.0
Closure
We trust this document will meet your needs at this time. If you have any questions, or if there is
any additional information we can provide, please contact the undersigned at your convenience.
Yours truly
Adelantar Consulting
Pete Marshall
Principal
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Dale Ozdoba, WMCC
Thorhild Landfill, Regulatory Disclosure document
November 2006
Figures
Page 25 of 24
Dale Ozdoba, WMCC
November 2006
Figure 1: Site location plan (regional)
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Dale Ozdoba, WMCC
November 2006
Figure 2: Site location plan (local)
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Dale Ozdoba, WMCC
November 2006
Figure 3: Location of residences relative to the site
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Dale Ozdoba, WMCC
November 2006
Figure 4: Site Plan
Page 29 of 24

1.0 Scope of Disclosure

Transcription

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