Sludge Watch ==> Durham - Ontario Member of Parliament asks Province to Take Action on Biosolids

[maureen.reilly at sympatico.ca]

NEWS RELEASE

Durham MPP Asks Provincial Government
To Take Action on Biosolids

For immediate release
May 9, 2006

QUEEN'S PARK - Durham Member of Provincial Pariament John O'Toole today 
called on the provincial
government to take action on a Municipality of Clarington resolution
concerning the control of paper fibre biosolids.

Mr. O'Toole said in the Ontario Legislature that the Municipality of
Clarington has passed a resolution that says the Durham Region should
not allow the mixing of compost with these biosolids until
recommendations of a provincial experts' panel are followed.

The Durham MPP said there has been ongoing concern among citizens and
local government over the impact of paper fibre biosolids on the
environment.  The materials are used as a soil conditioner and also
mixed with sand to form sound absorbing berms.

"What is being requested is provincial oversight on how this material is
applied in the environment," Mr. O'Toole said.  "It has been over a year
since an expert panel tabled its findings with the Ministry of the
Environment, but there has been a lack of action from the Province."

Mr. O'Toole has introduced his own Private Member's Bill (Bill 24) to
require that a person obtain a certificate of approval from the Ministry
of the Environment before spreading or storing sewage sludge, other
biosolids and products derived from them.

There is no shortage of valuable advice and input on the direction this
government should take," Mr. O'Toole said. "What we have is a shortage
of action from the provincial government.  I am asking the Premier to
directly respond to this question."

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For Further Information Please Call
John O'Toole, MPP - Durham (905) 697-1501 or 1-800-661-2433