Sludge Watch ==> Toronto Mayor Deep in Sludge War

[maureen.reilly at sympatico.ca]

June 8, 2006

Mayor deep in sludge war
Michigan firm denies obligation to find alternate dump
By ZEN RURYK, CITY HALL BUREAU CHIEF

Mayor David Miller yesterday insisted the company that refuses to landfill 
Toronto's sewage sludge in Michigan has a legal obligation to find another 
location for the waste.

But Will Flower, spokesman for Republic Services, countered there's no legal 
requirement for his company to find an alternative location for Toronto's 
sludge.

Republic informed the city it will no longer be welcome to dispose of 
treated sewege sludge at the Carleton Farms landfill, effective Aug. 1.

"Republic is responsible for finding somewhere," Miller argued. "The 
important part to remember here is, although it's an awkward topic, sewage 
sludge is good for landfills. Landfills want sludge because it helps the 
organic matter decompose better and faster."

Republic decided to stop taking the treated sewage sludge from Toronto, 
Detroit and other municipalities after receiving complaints from area 
residents about the smell.

Toronto officials are considering alternatives, including looking for an 
Ontario dump.

Miller said that even though it's his understanding that Republic has a 
contractual obligation to find an alternative, the city continues to seek a 
disposal solution to ensure Toronto finds a place to deposit the waste.

Flower countered efforts were made to provide Toronto and other 
municipalities as much time as possible to make alternative arrangements for 
their sludge.

"There's no (contractual) clause that would indicate that Republic Services 
is responsible for managing that waste from the City of Toronto," said 
Flower.

He added that Republic is willing to offer assistance. "If they need our 
help, we'll certainly identify other landfills that they can call and get 
prices from," he said.

Toronto's sludge woes were discussed during a private meeting yesterday of 
the city's works committee.

Councillor Mike Del Grande, a committee member, said the city has no plan -- 
just some possible solutions.

http://torontosun.com/News/TorontoAndGTA/2006/06/08/pf-1620244.html