Ontario landfill owners could face $100K fine for breaking environmental laws

A Hamilton MPP who represents an area that has been plagued by a relentless odour is welcoming a new hefty penalty that Ontario landfill owners will face for breaking environmental laws.

The provincial government announced Thursday the stricter regulations, ranging from $1,000 per day for less serious violations to $100,000 per day for the most serious incidents.

“This is welcome news for people in my community who have had to endure an intolerable odour from a nearby landfill,” said Donna Skelly, MPP for Flamborough-Glanbrook.

“This move will help ensure all landfills are in compliance with laws that help protect and preserve our air, land and water.”

Neighbours of the GFL Landfill in Stoney Creek have said a “rotten egg-like smell” has been an issue since it first began in April.

Residents in the area have said odour has never been a problem in the ten years that the landfill has been operating until 2021 when it would become noticeable in short periods.

However, people have said the smell has dominated the area this summer, making spending time outside almost unbearable and has forced them to keep their windows closed.

GFL Landfill and the of the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks have said 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 has said it had to dig up what was at the bottom of the landfill and put it on top, originally causing the smell.

The project has since halted, but nearby residents have said the scent remains.

In a statement released last month, the City of Hamilton said ongoing air monitoring tests continue to show no public health hazards in the area.

The Ontario government says funds collected from the new fines will be reinvested in impacted communities through the Ontario Community Environment Fund to support activities such as shoreline clean-ups or tree planting.

The province says the regulations will also help prevent lengthy and costly legal battles with violators.

READ MORE: Air quality standards not violated near Stoney Creek landfill: report