The department of Environment and Climate Change released their decision to permit the deactivation of the front-end processor and waste stabilization facility at the Otter Lake landfill.
The release of this news represents a sad day for the surrounding communities of the Otter Lake Landfill.
The Otter Lake Landfill was only accepted by our community in 1999 under the conditions of a written agreement between Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) and our community. That agreement committed to upholding the highest standards of operation and environmental due diligence to protect our residential communities that surround Otter Lake from harm due to landfill operations.
A public consultation process in the winter of 2021 revealed that 95 percent of the community had concerns regarding the removal of the front-end processor and waste stabilization that currently removes hazardous materials and organic waste before it is buried.
The decision is especially upsetting given the strong community engagement on this issue and the overwhelming community support to keep the sorting system in place.
I share the community’s deep disappointment.
Below, please find my questions to the Minister of the Environment & Climate Change on the Otter Lake Landfill:
It’s a betrayal to see the Houston government have such disregard for the environment and the history of environmental racism in Nova Scotia with their handling of the Otter Lake landfill.
I always have – and always will – stand up for the people of Timberlea-Prospect.
In Premier Houston’s September 21, 2021 letter of appointment to Minister Tim Halman, the Premier stated, “As Minister of Environment and Climate Change you will: Strive to make Nova Scotia the most environmentally friendly jurisdiction in North America.”
Removing the FEP and WSF systems that has proven to protect our communities does not achieve this mandate.
I invite you to review the questions my colleagues and I asked of Minister Halman in the Legislature on Friday, March 25, 2022 and his responses by clicking the link below.
I will continue to fight for the protection of communities surrounding the Otter Lake Landfill.
https://nslegislature.ca/legislative-business/hansard-debates/assembly-64-session-1/house_22mar25