Concerns rise over unrelenting odour from a Stoney Creek landfill

Residents in a Stoney Creek community are voicing concerns about a strong odour coming from a landfill that they say is interfering with daily life in the area.

Neighbours of the GFL Landfill in Stoney Creek say the rotten egg-like smell has been an issue throughout the summer.

Both the Ministry of the Environment and GFL say the odour is not dangerous and is the result of the construction of a new liner cell that is part of the landfill’s expansion toward Green Mountain Rd.

The company says they had to dig up what had been at the bottom of the landfill and put it on top, causing the smell originally.

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The project has since halted, but the scent remains.

Residents in the area say odour has never been an issue in the ten years that the landfill has been operating in the area until 2021 when it would become noticeable in short periods.

This summer, however, they say the smell has dominated the area making being outside almost unbearable and has forced them to keep their windows shut tight.

A Facebook group has been created for neighbours to voice their concerns and some residents have reached out to both GFL and the Ministry of the Environment but have yet to hear solutions they feel will solve the issue.

Brad Clark, councillor for the area, has said in previous public health meetings that the odour is unrelenting and described it as gag inducing.

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Clark says it has had an undeniable impact on the community’s mental health as they have been forced to spend their summer indoors and with their windows sealed.

The councillor is additionally pushing for further air quality testing to be conducted and shared to ensure the area is safe for residents.

A community meeting has been set for 6 p.m. Tuesday when the creation of a petition will be discussed.

Both local MPP Donna Skelly and councillor Brad Clark are expected to be in attendance.

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