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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-06-01ENVY1994-06-01 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 1, 1994 CITY OF KITCHENER The Environmental Committee met this date commencing at 4:00 p.m. under the Chairmanship of Councillor J. Ziegler with the following members present: Councillors C. Zehr, M. Wagner, C. Weylie and G. Leadston and Dr. J. Kay and Mr. B. Tiffen. Councillor T. Galloway entered the meeting after its commencement. Officials Present: Mr. B. Stanley, Mr. T. Clancy, Mr. S. Gyorffy, Ms. D. Williams, Mr. C. Ford, Mr. L.W. Neil. CANADIAN ENVIRONMENTAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS The City was in receipt of an invitation from Environment Canada to submit a nomination for a 1994 Canadian Environmental Achievement Award. Mr. B. Stanley advised that the nominations were due by June 6, 1994 and that the Huron Natural Area Steering Committee and the Waterloo County Board of Education strongly favoured submission of the Huron Natural Area as the City's nomination for an award. Mr. T. Clancy advised that the Mayor and two school board Chairmen have already signed a letter in support of the nomination and the Committee's endorsement is requested. On motion by Councillor G. Leadston, It was resolved: "That we support nomination to Environment Canada of the Huron Natural Area for a 1994 Canadian Environmental Achievement Award." COMPOSTERS - CITY OF CAMBRIDGE The Committee was in receipt of a copy of minutes, recommendations and staff report from the City of Cambridge dealing with backyard composters. Councillor C. Weylie requested that this matter be put on the agenda for consideration given the number of complaints that she has received within her ward as a result of composting. She indicated that some discussion should take place that would result in correct usage of composters. After reviewing the documentation, Councillor J. Ziegler stated that he favoured what the City of Waterloo is doing with this issue and Councillor G. Leadston agreed. Councillor Leadston was of the view that the municipality must have some controls in respect to education and enforcement. Also, he thought it would be desirable if the City of Kitchener regulations were compatible with those in the City of Waterloo. Councillor C. Zehr pointed out the misuse was the real problem and not the size of composters. Dr. J. Kay stated that composting was a complicated undertaking and there were different approaches to proper composting of differing wastes and combinations of wastes such as garden wastes, kitchen/garden wastes, kitchen/garden/meat and dairy product wastes, and each activity requires a different approach as to location, possible odours and presence of animals. Councillor T. Galloway entered the meeting at this point. Mr. B. Tiffen commented that grass clippings cause the most smell and that it cannot be avoided. However, if composting is done correctly through a layered approach, there is no smell as the clippings compact and rot. On motion by Councillor G. Leadston It was resolved: "That we obtain a copy of the City of Waterloo By-law respecting Composters and after evaluation, request the City Solicitor to draft a by-law for discussion that addresses such issues as composter location, odours and complaint process." ENVIRONMENTAL COMMI1-FEE MINUTES 3UNE 1, 1994 - 14 - CITY OF KITCHENER 3. WATERLOO REGIONAL BICYCLE MASTER PLAN Councillor M. Wagner requested that the Waterloo Regional Bicycle Master Plan be added to the agenda this date. Councillor Wagner distributed copies of an Appendix to the Master Plan Study provided as an information package for a public open house. He also distributed copies of the Regional Cycling Policy Master Plan dated February 1994 prepared by Victor Ford and Associates Inc. and IMC Consulting Group Inc. He stated that he was prepared to discuss this matter or table it given the size of the documents. Councillor Wagner indicated that it would help o have the Committee endorse the Plan before it goes to City Council. Councillor C. Zehr advised that when the Plan was first presented to Regional Engineering Committee, they asked the consultant if they considered an existing path on one side of the road for bicycles or combining pedestrian and bicycle paths. The consultant did not consider paths because bicycles belong on the roadway. Councillor J. Ziegler questioned why bicycles could not be allowed on sidewalks and suggested that an approach be made to the Province to alter the law or regulate the situation differently than at present. Councillor Wagner noted that the consultant had refused to incorporate trails into the plan. Mr. T. Clancy advised that Mr. Dave Banks of the Region of Waterloo wishes to do a presentation on this subject to Kitchener authorities. Further, he stated that it was his hope that the Region considers extended pavement for cyclists in conjunction with the widening of Homer Watson Boulevard from two lanes to four lanes. Councillor M. Wagner stated that the issue of trail linkages between defined trails has to be dealt with. Councillor C. Weylie stated that the differing needs of commuter cyclists and recreational family type cycling must also be addressed in relation to the provision of appropriate facilities. Councillor G. Leadston noted that the grid on sewer grates was causing cyclists a problem and Mr. S. Gyorffy advised that this could be addressed by turning the sewer grate one turn. Dr. J. Kay commented that the recreational bicycling trail system requirements were very different from those of the system required for bicycle commuters. He suggested that in the end there must be a separation between bicycle and pedestrian traffic. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner, the Committee agreed to table the reports for consideration and review at the Committee's next meeting. 4. INCENTIVES FOR CITY STAFF TO LESSEN AUTOMOBILE USE Councillor M. Wagner requested that as a future agenda item, the Committee consider directing City staff to implement some kind of policy that would encourage staff to use their cars less frequently. 5. REGION OF WATERLOO - ADOPT-A-ROAD PROGRAM The Committee was provided with a copy of a resolution from the Council of the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approving establishment of an Adopt-A-Road Program. Councillor T. Galloway suggested that where the Regional Adopt-A-Road Program affects the City of Kitchener it be rolled into the City's "Adopt A Program" for clarity and consistency. He suggested the Adopt-Your-Environment Committee be asked to consider this issue at its next meeting. Mr. T. Clancy advised that staff have considered the Regional program and are of the view it is another case of duplication. It would appear the Region, with its program, is asking organizations to sign agreements to formalize their involvement. However, the City of Kitchener is attempting to encourage participation through a stewardship program. He agreed the issue is worth putting on the Committee's agenda for its next meeting. Councillor C. Zehr commented that it was his view the resolution came about as a result of rural areas approaching the Region in respect to this matter. 5. REGION OF WATERLOO -ADOPT-A-ROAD PROGRAM (CONT'D) On motion by Councillor C. Weylie, ENVIRONMENTAL COMMI1-FEE MINUTES 3UNE 1, 1994 - 15 - CITY OF KITCHENER It was resolved: "That with regard to the Region of Waterloo "Adopt-A-Road Program", the Region be provided with details of the City of Kitchener "Adopt Your Environment Program" and requested to co-ordinate environmental initiatives as much as possible with the City." MR. ROBERT MILLIGAN - SAFETY-KLEEN CANADA INC. Mr. Robert Milligan appeared as a delegation and advised that he has been an environmentalist for over 30 years and provided his background in this regard, which includes involvement with the Township of Wilmot and the Region of Waterloo in environmental issues. He indicated that most recently he has provided suggestions respecting the Mannheim Recharge Centre. Mr. Milligan stated that his purpose in appearing before the Committee was to deal with the issues of odours originating from the Safety-Kleen Canada Inc. operation in Breslau. While Mr. Milligan was appreciative of the environmental initiative to recycle waste oil, he noted that citizens have complained about odours for many years and his concern was that with an expansion of the plant, more problems may be created than are solved. He referred to the discharge from the plant Kitchener is receiving and pumping through its sewer system and stated that there were problems with the system because of dips in the sewer line that allow odours to build up and back into houses. In this regard, his major concern was that the odours were composed of carcinogenic chemicals and the question of standards relative to this problem was an issue. Further, he noted that in the real world, people are exposed to combinations of chemicals and not simply individual chemicals in isolation. Mr. Milligan pointed out that while engineers may be concerned with odours in a sewer line, they do not get into the field of toxicology which even Regional health officials are not knowledgable about. He suggested that when the results of testing deviate from standards, reports in this regard should also be made available to the local municipality. In this regard, he suggested that local officials develop an understanding and appreciation of toxicology. Further, he noted that while discharge is sampled, the gases from such discharge are not being routinely sampled and these gases could be added into the sewer line. With respect to this entire issue, he advised that a group of residents wishes to make a comprehensive presentation at a future meeting the Committee. Also, he stated that he was concerned that the City may be leaving itself open to a class action lawsuit over such matter. Councillor C. Zehr questioned if Mr. Milligan was representing Mr. Bettinger of Graber Place, who was one of the persons who has expressed concerns to the City over the Safety-Kleen operation. Councillor Zehr stated that he was concerned with the comments Mr. Milligan has made and noted that Safety-Kleen was in the process of dealing with a Hearing over the next few months which will address increased throughput through the plant. Also, he commented that Councillor G. Leadston meets regularly with a committee of residents and Safety-Kleen officials, and pointed out that one of the items the Committee has focused on is that of odours. He stated that back in the mid- 1980's, there were hundreds of odour complaints, but that the number of complaints is now down to between 20-40 annually. He indicated that the Hearing proceedings will bring out any issues which Mr. Milligan has brought up and noted that the Township of Woolwich has registered as a participatory observer in the Hearings. Mr. Milligan acknowledged that the City and Safety-Kleen officials have taken action to alleviate the odour problems, however, his main point was that citizens are fearful of increased discharge as a result of plant expansion and the chance that the odour problem may become worse. Dr. J. Kay stated that it was his interpretation the problem was that toxic chemicals in the form of gases were getting into people's homes, and Mr. Milligan indicated this was the concern. Mr. S. Gyorffy noted the following activities in regard to the issue of odours: - sewer testing was done to determine if odours were originating from Safety-Kleen - additional traps were installed in sewer lines - it was determined that a continuous odour does not exist MR. ROBERT MILLIGAN - SAFETY-KLEEN CANADA INC. (CONT'D) extensive testing was done at Mr. Bettinger's home smoke was blown through the sewer system to identify if there was any leakage to homes ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITFEE MINUTES 3UNE 1, 1994 - 16 - CITY OF KITCHENER - the new plant proposes a steam stripping process to remove odours - the Region monitors waste water discharge. Dr. J. Kay commented that eliminating odours would not eliminate toxins, however, the smoke test tells a conclusive story. Mr. Milligan stated that he felt the City should give consideration to hiring a qualified toxicology firm to sample odours in the sewer line. Mr. S. Gyorffy noted that this issue becomes a matter of air pollution and falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of the Environment. Councillor J. Ziegler suggested that the Committee consider obtaining a report from staff outlining the firms that do such testing, what they would be testing for and what the costs would be. Dr. J. Kay stated that it was not clear to him what regulatory body has jurisdiction. Councillor C. Zehr commented that the issue could be investigated and a report brought to the appropriate Standing Committee of City Council. As direction to staff, it was requested that consideration be given to having a representative at the Hearing given that the City does have an interest in the existence of gases and their significance, and that this issue be dealt with through the appropriate Standing Committee and the Environmental Committee be kept informed. 7. STAFF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY GROUP REPORT Mr. B. Stanley advised the Committee that he is assuming the responsibilities for the Environmental Committee formerly held by Mr. S. Klapman who has now retired. He advised that the first meeting of the Staff Environmental Study Group was held last Friday and that as a result of discussions at that meeting, it was the recommendation of staff that the terms of reference of the Environmental Committee, the Study Group, as well as the Strategic Plan be reviewed in that order so as to provide a solid basis for ultimate review of the Strategic Plan. Mr. Stanley suggested that one approach to these reviews could be to establish a sub-committee to look at terms of reference so as to speed up the process. Also, he recommended that henceforth, the Environmental Committee hold its regular meeting on the first Wednesday of every month,that a date be established for agenda setting purposes and that the Chairman participate in setting the meeting agenda. Further, in order to consider the seven functional areas of the Strategic Plan in a reasonable amount of time, he suggested the Committee consider holding additional meetings to speed up the process. Also, he indicated that for the July meeting, certain tabular information from the Strategic Plan could be made available for consideration. As well, he advised that staff will try and identify components of capital budget with an environmental impact. Mr. T. Clancy commented that when review of the Strategic Plan was suggested, it was on the basis of questioning what was in the plan, what has been accomplished and what has been missed and noted that the idea was to look at the Strategic Plan on a regular monthly basis. Following further discussion, it was agreed to initiate the process at the Committee's July 6 meeting. On motion, it was resolved: "That with regard to the Environmental Committee, we approve the following: (a) Meetings of the Environmental Committee will be held the first Wednesday of each month. (b) Agenda of the Environmental Committee will be set on the second last Thursday of each month, with participation of the Committee Chairman. 7. STAFF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY GROUP REPORT (CONT'D) (c)A review in sequence of the Terms of Reference of firstly, the Environmental Committee, secondly, the Staff Environmental Study Group, and thirdly, the City of Kitchener Strategic Plan for the Environment." 8. BOOKLET PUBLICATION - CITIZEN'S GUIDE TO WALKING THROUGH THE WATERSHED Mr. B. Stanley advised that a booklet entitled "A Citizen's Guide to Walking through the ENVIRONMENTAL COMMII-FEE MINUTES 3UNE 1, 1994 - i7 - CITY OF KITCHENER Watershed" was put together by a graduate student and that he would have copies distributed to Committee members as information. 9. HURON NATURAL PARK Councillor T. Galloway reviewed recent activities that have taken place with regard to ongoing planning for the Huron Natural Park, and explained the role of four subcommittees that have been created to further development. Also, he advised that at this time, it was the Separate School Board's intent to be a major partner within the Park. 10. INDIVIDUAL/COMMUNITY GARDEN PLOTS Councillor C. Weylie referred to a recent initiative by both individuals and the community with respect to the establishment of both individual and community garden plots on lands adjacent to Mooregate Crescent. She stated that this was an excellent example of an initiative involving the community, the John Howard Society and the police department. 11. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:45 p.m. L.W. Neil, AMCT Assistant City Clerk