Horwath speaks out against gas plant on Hamilton waterfront

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(Updated) Is it an efficient way to dispose of garbage, or a plant that will further pollute Hamilton’s waterfront? Today provincial NDP leader Andrea Horwath was in Hamilton to argue in favour of a more thorough environmental assessment for a proposed “waste to gas” plant in Hamilton.

A small piece of land near an area at end of Sherman Avenue is the focus of a big environmental debate. It’s over the proposal by Port Fuels Incorporated to build a plant that will turn 170 000 tonnes of garbage into gas each year.

“This is 2015. It’s not the 70’s anymore, it’s not the 80’s anymore. It’s time for us to be very, very diligent.” said Horwath.

Horwath joined Ward 3 councilor Matthew Green and others in order to pressure the Minister of the environment and climate change Glenn Murray.

“Given that it’s unproven technology, given that proponents have no history in this business, it causes some serious suspicion.” said Green.

What they want is the ministry to bump up the required environmental screening to a full assessment.

“Our own expert reports identified multiple incidences where they just didn’t have the data to back up their claims.”

It’s something that is not currently being done on a scale that large anywhere and Port Fuels has abided by all requests from the city and the province.

As much as there is concern about the environmental impact of what will one day sit on this land, those who are critical of Andrea Horwath and Matthew Green says that what they’re really debating is the type of business that will eventually occupy Hamilton’s waterfront.

“Why do we have politicians getting involved when the ministry of the environment is supposed to be an arms length group. Let them do their job.” said Steven Rowe.

Steven Rowe is chair of the Keith Neighbourhood hub, who represent the residents at the north end of Sherman where the plant would be located.

“We’ve actually sat down with the company on several different occasions, to talk about our concerns, to have our concerns addressed. They’ve addressed every concern that we’ve ever had.”

Horwath said she wasn’t sure she could even back a proposal that passes a full environmental assessment.

“From a personal perspective, this is not what I see as the kind of investment that will help out city maintain it’s growing, positive reputation.”

In the meantime, the environmental screening process that is already underway will continue.