Sludge Watch ==> Ontario - near London - sludge pit - zoning denied

[Maureen Reilly]

Over 200 people attend meeting about biosolids


by Nancy Powers
Wednesday September 12, 2007

Just say no to biosolids.

That was the message voiced by a Middlesex Centre crowd of over 200 who 
turned out for an information meeting in Coldstream on Tuesday, Sept. 4.
The meeting was organized by a group calling themselves the Concerned 
Citizens of Middlesex Centre (CCOMC) who are opposed to the possible storing 
of biosolids on a farm near Poplar Hill.
At issue is an application by Colleen and Nick Wiendels for a zoning 
amendment which would permit storage of biosolids with an existing manure 
pit.
Middlesex Centre Council is expected to vote on the zoning change at its 
Sept. 12 planning meeting.
According to Chris Bailey, a spokesperson for the CCOMC, there are still 
several unanswered questions that need addressing.

“After two fires on that spot we aren’t too confident about the 
integrity of the structure,” said Mrs. Bailey. “There is a real concern 
about the possibility of leaching into the water system.”
Transporting of the biosolids is also a concern for residents living near 
the Wiendels property.
“There are possible pollution problems as a result of inevitable spills 
from the trucks hauling the biosolids,” said Mrs. Bailey. “Our local 
water quality could be significantly and adversely affected.”
In an effort to get their message out, the group has started a green ribbon 
campaign. They are encouraging residents to tie a green ribbon around their 
mailbox or tree, or smaller lapel ribbons are also available, all free of 
charge.
A petition, which will be presented to council at its Sept. 12 planning 
meeting, is also being circulated.

During the meeting, it also became clear that the issue will likely be 
decided at an Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) hearing.

“We have already decided that if council passes the amendment, we will 
appeal,” said Mrs. Bailey. “We intend to stick with this issue until the 
end.”
All members of council were at the meeting, and Mayor Al Edmondson told the 
crowd more discussion will likely take place at the planning meeting.

“We hope to have more expertise at that meeting who may shed some light on 
questions brought up here tonight,” said Mayor Edmondson. “But I agree 
that this issue will likely end up at an OMB hearing.”
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Bio-solids storage bid denied


Wednesday September 19, 2007

Denial to allow the storage of bio-solids in Middlesex Centre was applauded 
by over 150 people who attended a meeting in Coldstream last Wednesday, 
Sept. 12.
Middlesex Centre councillors, who are all members of the community 
development committee, debated the issue before a crowd of nearly 300 for 
two hours before taking a break.
The break was required because council had to conduct a regular council 
meeting at 7 p.m.
Following that meeting, at about 8:30 p.m., the committee reconvened to put 
the bio-solids issue to a vote. About half of the original audience returned 
to hear the vote.
The committee recommendations must now be approved at a regular meeting of 
council today (Wednesday, Sept. 19).
At issue is an application by Colleen and Nick Wiendels for a zoning change 
which would permit storage of bio-solids in an existing foundation of a 
former hog barn.

According to a report by Middlesex Centre staff, bio-solids are materials 
that are produced from the organic residuals that are a by-product derived 
from the treatment of domestic wastewater in a wastewater treatment plant.
A motion to deny the request was made by Mayor Al Edmondson and was 
unanimously supported by the committee.
The application was denied because the Wiendels have yet to apply for a 
Certificate of Approval from the Ministry of the Environment under the 
Environmental Protection Act, which is something the committee wants to see 
happen before zoning approval will be given.
The motion says in part, “... if the applicant and the proposed facility 
operator intend to pursue the matter further, they are directed to make 
application for the prerequisite Certificate of Approval....”
The motion also suggested that if an Ontario Municipal Board hearing were to 
take place, it be held under the Consolidated Hearings Act in order that the 
inter-related environmental and land use planning matters can be addressed 
and resolved concurrently.
“We need to look at the bigger picture,” said Mayor Edmondson. “The 
protection of our residents and the environment should be paramount.”
Carol Wiebe, of MHBC Planning, acting on behalf of the Wiendels, has 
indicated the issue of an appeal is uncertain.
“At this point, my clients are still undecided as whether to pursue an 
appeal or not,” said Ms Wiebe. “There are many factors that need to be 
considered.”
The applicants have 20 days after final approval of the decision of council, 
which is to be considered on Sept. 19, to file an appeal.


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