Welland Company Fined $200,000 for Discharging Odours From a Composting Facility
Welland Company Fined $200,000 for Discharging Odours From a Composting Facility
St. Catharines – A Welland company was fined $200,000 for discharging odours that caused adverse effects and for exceeding daily limits on the amount of materials permitted at its composting facility. The composting facility was shut down in May 2011 and is no longer in operation.
“Environmental protection legislation protects communities and the environment. Breaking these rules can result in serious penalties and is an offence the ministry takes very seriously”, Environment Minister Jim Bradley.
Universal Resource Recovery Inc. operated a composting operation in Welland that received organic food waste generated from municipal green bins. Ministry inspections confirmed that the company was operating the composting facility contrary to requirements of ministry approval by exceeding the allowable limits of food waste, leaf, yard and wet waste received at the site and contrary to a ministry order that further limited the amount of waste to be received at the site.
The company was also found responsible for discharging odours that caused adverse effects including impairing the quality of the natural environment, causing material discomfort to a person, and the loss of enjoyment of normal property use.
The company was fined a total of $200,000 plus victim fine surcharges of $50,000 and was given one year to pay the fines.
For further information:
Members of the media:
Kate Jordan
Communications Branch
(416) 314-6666
