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News Release

For immediate release
June 28, 2006

ONTARIO TO GET ADDITIONAL LANDFILL CAPACITY
Environmental Assessment For Green Lane Landfill Expansion Approved

TORONTO – An expansion of the Green Lane landfill near London will provide an additional 10 million tonnes of secure landfill capacity for the province, Environment Minister Laurel Broten announced today.

“The expansion is good news for municipalities and businesses across Ontario who are seeking disposal capacity within the province rather than sending it to Michigan,” Broten said. “The McGuinty government recognizes that exporting waste is neither sustainable nor desirable in the long term.”

The McGuinty government has approved the environmental assessment to expand the landfill with conditions. Before the expansion can proceed, the landfill operator must enhance its existing monitoring program and make changes to the design and operations of the site to ensure there are no impacts to local ground and surface water.

In addition, the expansion’s proposed design, leachate treatment methods and stormwater management plans must satisfy the requirements of the Environmental Protection Act and the Ontario Water Resources Act.

The Green Lane landfill was originally approved in 1978 to take municipal and industrial, commercial and institutional waste from across the province until about 2018. The expansion will not increase the landfill’s expected lifespan.

“The conditions we have imposed will ensure that Green Lane continues to operate in a safe and environmentally friendly manner and is a viable disposal solution for Ontario wastes,” Broten said.

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Contacts:
Anne O’Hagan Minister’s Office 416-325-5809	John Steele Communications Branch 416-314-6666