City of Hamilton charged over 2018 odour issue at compost facility

The City of Hamilton has been charged in connection with odour issues at a local composting facility.

The issue was reported in the summer of 2018 at the composting facility on Burlington St.

Residents in surrounding neighbourhoods reported a foul smell in the air, which eventually prompted the city to close the facility.

The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks began an investigation.

On Wednesday, the city received a summons from the ministry.

The city and several contractors have been charged with discharging or permitting the discharge of a contaminant (odour) contrary to the Environmental Protection Act.

City representatives will appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on Feb. 3, 2021.

The composting facility reopened in February 2019 after the city made operational and procedural changes.