News Release
Public Input Sought on Regional Strategy for C and D Facilities
(Wednesday, January 17/2001)-- Halifax Regional Municipality staff will seek input from the public and the industry on a proposed new by-law respecting the licensing and regulation of C & D (construction and demolition) facilities within the region.
Licensing and regulation of C & D facilities is the final step in the overall implementation of HRM's Integrated Waste Resource Management Strategy. At present, the municipality has very little regulatory control over where these types of facilities may locate, and how they operate.
The Planning and Development and Solid Waste Resource divisions will hold a series of five (5) public meetings throughout the municipality in mid-to-late February to hear from municipal planning groups, ratepayer groups, citizens and stakeholders in the solid waste resource industry regarding their thoughts and views on C & D facilities.
In addition, there will be a special Open House and information session for the public, as well as those involved in the solid waste resource industry, on Monday, January 22, 2001, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the former County of Halifax Building, 2750 Dutch Village Road, Halifax. This is prior to the regular meeting of the Solid Waste Resource Advisory Committee there, when public presentations will be heard.
There are currently three C & D sorting facilities operating within HRM-- one in the Prestons area, one in Goodwood and one in the Harrietsfield area. Currently, existing zoning prevents the establishment of a C & D disposal facility in the municipality.
According to the definition by the Nova Scotia Department of the Environment, Construction and demolition materials (C&D Materials) means building material waste, such as soil, asphalt, brick, mortar, drywall, plaster, insulation, wallboard, wood, shingles and metals.
The provincial Environment Department does have C & D guidelines, which focus on the approval of disposal sites; the intention of the new HRM by-law is to focus on recycling and processing operations (with minimal disposal at approved sites), as well as community protection..
Jim Donovan, Assistant Director of Planning and Development Services, said that with the adoption of the HRM Integrated Waste Resource Management Strategy, some new planning/development by-laws were required and a number of local Municipal Planning Strategies (MPS) and Land Use By-laws must be updated to cover such facilities, as C & D sorting and disposal sites.
Mr. Donovan said "We hope that this new by-law will provide protection for existing residential areas, provide clear regulations and a level playing field for the operators of these C and D facilities and provide protection for the community at large."
He said the by-law would ensure there is appropriate zoning regulations stipulating where these facilities may be located and proper licensing and regulatory controls to ensure that they are professionally operated.
Jim Bauld, Diversion Planning Coordinator for Solid Waste Resources, said regulations governing C & D facilities is the final piece in implementation of HRM's Integrated Waste Resource Management Strategy.
Mr. Bauld said "Until now, we have had a heavy focus on the recycling and re-use of materials, as well as a strong emphasis on organic waste diversion through our curbside composting program. We believe that there is a niche for the proper management of used construction and demolition materials, which will divert even more waste material away from our landfill."
The times, dates and locations of the five (5) public meetings will be announced later this month.
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John O'Brien
Corporate Communications Officer
(902) 490-6531
Jim Donovan
Assistant Director, Planning and Development Services
(902) 490-6782
Jim Bauld
Diversion Planning Coordinator, Solid Waste Resources
(902) 490-7176
