December 2006 - page 2

Environmental report

Municipal Solid Waste: Landfill Or Energy From Waste?
One of the key concerns for the TMLRA is waste management. The District did studies and held public meetings this past year to tackle Muskoka's long-term waste management concerns "to ensure that adequate capacity is available for its citizens until at least 2035." It was decided that the Rosewarne Drive Landfill Site in Bracebridge would be expanded to accommodate this need for bigger landfill.

But is landfill the best way to go? What about energy from waste?

Many of us don't understand that what used to be called "incineration" has become one of the cleanest, most environmentally friendly ways to dispose of solid waste. And it gives back too! The energy that is created by the high temperature burn can provide energy to power large neighbourhoods and towns. In fact the Algonquin Power Energy from Waste Facility in Brampton generates enough electricity to power 6000 homes.

Muskoka sits atop the great Canadian Shield. There's so much rock that eventually we won't be able to keep filling it with garbage. So why not go with energy from waste? Frankly, it's about volume. While we're a booming community in the summer, Muskoka would not have enough solid waste to sustain the facility. The cost of building an energy from waste facility is very high and to shut it down in the off season... well it's just not viable. HOWEVER, with cooperation with other municipalities, energy from waste becomes an option. It's time for local governments -- and all governments for that matter — to start working together to think about positive solutions based on real science rather than staying in the past when incineration was a toxic word.

The TMLRA has a dedicated sub-committee for waste management. Committee members are asking the hard questions and learning about the potential of energy from waste. One of our board members, Roger Crawford (P.ENG., Environmental Specialist) and his colleague Mel Fielding (P.ENG., Environmental Specialist) have put together a report on the subject and we've made it available right here. It's up to all of us to understand the consequences of waste management, to keep an open mind and learn about the possibilities. After all, Muskoka is OURS TO CARE FOR!

Ontario Expands Environmental Protection For Aggregate Operations

Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources is updating the Aggregate Resources Act to include all the districts in Muskoka and Parry Sound effective January 1, 2007. This is good news for Muskoka residents who hope to preserve the natural, rocky terrain that makes Muskoka so beautiful. However some of our smaller quarry operators might find the new guidelines problematic.

What is aggregate?
Aggregate is the broad category of basic materials used in construction, including sand, gravel, crushed stone, slag, and recycled concrete. Aggregates are necessary for any kind of modern construction making up the basic materials for concrete and asphalt. They are also used as base materials under foundations and roads.

It's not quite the blasting bylaw that many ratepayers wish was in place in Muskoka, but it's a start. With Muskoka now being protected by the Aggregate Resources Act, there will be stiff regulations on the management of aggregate resources and operations. Furthermore, Muskoka pits will be required to rehabilitate land where aggregate has been extracted, thus minimizing the environmental effect of operations.

The TMLRA Environment Committee will continue to monitor the aggregate and blasting issues ratepayers face as residents and as pit operators. Balancing growth and environmental protectionism in our Township is a delicate task. If you think you can help and would like to be a member of our Environment Committee, please contact us by phone at (705) 765-0022, or by email at tmlra@muskoka.com.
TMLRA Environment Committee

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