Lake Ontario Waterkeeper and Lafarge announce landmark agreement
Today, Lake Ontario Waterkeeper and Lafarge announced an improved management programme for a landfill site at Lafarge's Bath plant, which will meet high environmental standards.
"We arrived at this agreement because we both had the goal of finding a practical way of improving the landfill site," stated Robert Cumming, environmental manager for Lafarge's Bath Plant. "This has been a productive and collaborative effort and we've found Waterkeeper to be a very constructive partner. This shows what can be achieved when business and environmental groups work together."
Discussions began in 2006 after Lafarge filed an application to the Ontario Ministry of the Environment for the operational permit of a landfill at the company's Bath plant. At that time, Waterkeeper and Trustee for Lake Ontario Gord Downie raised concerns about contaminated discharges to surface and groundwater from Lafarge's onsite Cement Kiln Dust (CKD) landfill. Lafarge, within approval parameters set by the Ministry of the Environment, had been discharging water containing some leachate to the Bath Creek.
The agreement calls for the installation of an impermeable membrane cap that will provide increased protection from water infiltration. Lafarge will also provide additional monitoring wells as recommended by Waterkeeper's hydro-geologist, Wilf Ruland.
"Our primary goal has always been the protection of the Bath Creek and Lake Ontario," says Waterkeeper & President Mark Mattson. "We are genuinely pleased that Lafarge worked so well with our hydro-geologist to develop a management programme that will improve and protect the environment."
The Ministry of the Environment approved the improved management programme in November. Lafarge will now begin upgrades to the landfill site.
Additional information
Lake Ontario Waterkeeper's 2007 comments on cement kiln dust waste site
Lake Ontario Waterkeeper's case against Lafarge's alternative fuels project
Contacts:
Mark Mattson. President & Waterkeeper, Lake Ontario Waterkeeper: (416) 861-1237
Robert Cumming MASc, P.Eng. Environment & Public Affairs Manager, Lafarge: (613) 352-7711 ext: 214