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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-03-07ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 7, 2002CITY OF KITCHENER The Environmental Committee met this date commencing at 4:07 p.m., Chaired by Councillor B. Vrbanovic with the following members present: Ms. Y. Fernandes, Ms. N. Sonder and Messrs. B. Lemieux and P. O’Toole. Mr. J. Kos was in attendance for part of the meeting. Officials Present:Ms. G. Luciantonio, Ms. J. Billett and Mr. B. Stanley. This meeting of the Environmental Committee began without a quorum in attendance. 1. ONTARIO CLEAN AIR ALLIANCE – ENDORSEMENT OF RECOMMENDATIONS RE: PHASING-OUT CITY PURCHASE OF COAL-FIRED ELECTRICITY The Committee was in receipt of correspondence dated January 21, 2002 from Mr. Jack Gibbons, Chair, Ontario Clean Air Alliance, requesting consideration of endorsing in principle the concept of phasing out the City’s purchase of coal-fired electricity and investigation of emission reduction benefits and financial costs associated with phasing-out within a three month period. Mr. Ravi Singh, Communications Co-ordinator, Ontario Clean Air Alliance, advised that the Alliance is a coalition of 82 organizations with a goal of promoting the phasing-out of coal-fired electricity. He noted that the Ontario Medical Association has declared that air pollution is a public health crisis in Ontario and provided various statistics relative to related deaths and emergency room visits within the Region of Waterloo. He also advised that in 2002 it is estimated related health costs will reach approximately $403,000,000. Province-wide. Mr. Singh noted that 5 coal- fired plants in Ontario are a major source of air pollution and reviewed statistics relative to the st plants contributions to air emissions. He advised that on May 1 the electricity market will open to competition and suggested that the City has a good opportunity to show leadership in addressing the issue of air quality by supporting the phasing-out of coal-fired electricity. He pointed out that the Alliance’s resolutions ask only that the concept be endorsed in principle and investigated. Mr. Singh then referred to a list of coal-free electricity suppliers that could be approached to provide assistance to staff and further advised that the Cities of Burlington, London, Markham, St. Catharines and the Region of Peel have all taken a positive step forward in having their staff investigate the phasing-out of coal-fired electricity. During Mr. Singh’s presentation Mr. J. Kos entered the meeting and a quorum was now present. Mr. Singh then responded to various questions, noting the following: the Alliance’s statistics were obtained from Environment Canada and reports submitted by Ontario Power Generation to the Ministry of Environment; greenpower sources (wind/solar) are not sufficient at this time to accommodate large municipalities; the Alliance has not taken a stand on nuclear power, however, there are various alternative sources of electricity such as natural gas, water power and hydro electricity; employment costs may be a factor in phasing-out coal-fired power, however, as conversion takes place new employment is likely to be generated; gapping (black outs) is not anticipated to be a factor; the Alliance is focusing on municipalities for support as a user of electricity relative to municipal facilities; and, approaches are also being made to corporate enterprises. Mr. Paul Newall, Senior Advisor, Ontario Power Generation (OPG) was also in attendance and provided a written submission, together with background information including a pamphlet entitled “Environmentally Friendly Energy Choices” and a copy of OPG’s 2000 Progress Report. Mr. Newall stated that he wished to bring a balanced approach to consideration of this issue and pointed out that in considering statistics all sources of emissions within and outside of Ontario should be included. As an example, Mr. Newall advised that OPG’s fossil stations are responsible for 7% of NOx emissions versus more than 50% from the United States and 32% from Ontario’s transportation sector. He advised that OPG is committed to continuing to reduce emissions by improving nuclear and hydro electric performance; use of low sulphur fuels, low NOx burners and smart computer control technology; investment of ¼ of a billion dollars for selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology at the Lampton and Nanticoke facilities; and, expansion of its Pickering facility (wind turbines). He stated that as a result of reduction initatives, OPG will reduce its NOx emissions to 5% by 2004. Mr. Newall then reviewed implications of conversion of coal- fired plants, including: higher electricity prices; increased gas consumption placing upward pressure on gas prices; the U.S. is not phasing out coal and U.S. coal producers will compete with Ontario’s market which could have the effect of negating use of ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 7, 2002- 10 -CITY OF KITCHENER 1. ONTARIO CLEAN AIR ALLIANCE – ENDORSEMENT OF RECOMMENDATIONS RE: PHASING-OUT CITY PURCHASE OF COAL- FIRED ELECTRICITY (CONT’D) more expensive natural gas electricity. He advised that OPG is also committed to improving environmental performance, noting that two-thirds of OPG’s production comes from clean emission sources, ie. nuclear and hydro electric; green power technologies will be quadrupled by 2005; $100,000,000. will be invested in next generation of alternate energy technologies; partnerships have been established with the United States Department of Energy, the Canadian Government and Siemens Westinghouse to develop the worlds largest solid oxide fuel cell; and a partnership with British Energy has been established to develop Ontario’s first windfarm near Kincardine. Mr. Newall also noted that OPG’s emission reduction initiatives contribute to paying down Ontario Hydro’s stranded debt. Mr. Newall then responded to various questions, during which additional information respecting the following was provided: statistics; implications of U.S. competition in Ontario markets; impact demand will have on natural gas prices; price regulation; percentage of emissions produced from the United States versus Ontario; and lengthy approval processes to implement conversions which are often difficult in part due to public objection. During discussion the issue of government incentives to assist with conversion was raised and Mr. Newall advised that this was beyond the control of OPG and should be directed to the Ministry of Environment. It was also noted that with respect to windmill farms, the Suzuki Foundation recently submitted a proposal on alternative energy, including statistics on windmills, and a report from the Province’s Select Committee is expected in May. Councillor B. Vrbanovic inquired if the proposed three month timeframe for staff to report on this issue was realistic and Mr. B. Stanley advised that a longer period would likely be required to allow staff to pursue outside expertise. On motion by Ms. Y. Fernandes - it was resolved: “That staff be directed to investigate the potential emission reduction benefits and financial costs involved in phasing out the City’s purchase of coal-fired electricity by 2005, 2007 and 2010, with a report to be provided to the Environmental Committee within six months.” The recommendation noted above was approved unanimously and will be referred for consideration to the March 25, 2002 meeting of the Development and Technical Services Committee. 2. STRATEGIC PLANNING SESSION The Committee was in receipt of a document dated February 7, 2002 entitled “Environmental Committee – Strategic Planning Session”, detailing results of a question and answer session to determine issues of interest to the Committee that could form a work plan. Mr. B. Stanley advised that the next step in the process will be to prioritize the issues listed for the purpose of identifying key issues that could form a work plan for the Committee. Mr. Stanley put forward a proposed method that could be used to assist in prioritizing the issues and suggested this be undertaken at the Committee’s next meeting. Accordingly, it was agreed that prioritization and development of a work plan would be deferred to the Committee’s next meeting to be held on April 5, 2002. 3. COUNCIL POLICY I-81 - ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE - TERMS OF REFERENCE The Committee was in receipt of Council Policy I-81 (Environmental Committee Terms of Reference). The Committee was reminded that Council has asked each Advisory Committee to review their Terms of Reference and make revisions to reflect Council’s resolution of August 27, 2001. 3. COUNCIL POLICY I-81 - ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE - TERMS OF REFERENCE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 7, 2002- 11 -CITY OF KITCHENER (CONT’D) Mr. B. Stanley advised that the issue of lengthening or staggering the term of office for lay appointees had not been resolved at the Committee’s February 7th meeting. Councillor B. Vrbanovic suggested that the existing wording of the Terms of Reference be endorsed and a separate motion be put forward to direct staff to review the term of office as part of a mid-year review. th It was noted that at the February 7 meeting the Committee had agreed to revise wording under clause 3.c) of the Terms of Reference to include the words “citizen environment groups”. On motion by Mr. B. Lemieux – it was resolved: “That the Deputy City Clerk be advised that the Environmental Committee endorses Council Policy I-81 - Environmental Committee Terms of Reference, subject to an amendment to clause 3.c) to add the phrase “citizen environment groups”, as follows: ‘3.c)To provide liaison between the City and the community including individuals, businesses, industry concerning environmental and citizen environment groups matters’.” On motion by Ms. Y. Fernandes – it was resolved: “That the Deputy City Clerk be advised that as part of a mid-year review to be undertaken with respect to Terms of Reference and appointments to Advisory Committees of Council, the Environmental Committee supports re-assessment of the term of office held by Advisory Committee lay appointees relative to the possibility of implementing longer terms or staggered terms.“ The recommendations noted above will be forwarded to the Deputy City Clerk. 4. MUNICIPAL PESTICIDES WORKING GROUP - TERMS OF REFERENCE The Committee was in receipt of a document entitled “Municipal Pesticides Working Group - Terms of Reference” dated January 15, 2002. Councillor B. Vrbanovic advised that the Committee is requested to endorse these Terms of Reference. He noted that at a recent meeting Regional Council re-confirmed its position that the issue of regulating cosmetic use of pesticides is not within its pervue and remains an issue to be decided at the municipal level. Councillor Vrbanovic then reviewed the Terms of Reference proposed for the Municipal Pesticides Working Group. He noted that clauses B) and C) as worded are geared toward implementation of a by-law and suggested that a broader range of options be incorporated. The Committee then entered into a lengthy discussion during which the following issues were raised: effectiveness of an educational campaign and a timeframe for commencement · sufficient public and political will to justify review of the issue · effectiveness of the proposed survey; should be conducted by an outside, independent · research group alternative methods of lawn care including integrated pest management (ie. water, fertilization · and aeration). Councillor B. Vrbanovic proposed changes to the wording of clauses B) and C), highlighted in bold text as follows: 4. MUNICIPAL PESTICIDES WORKING GROUP - TERMS OF REFERENCE (CONT’D) ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 7, 2002- 12 -CITY OF KITCHENER B)Obtain more information on the support for various pesticide management alternatives by-law through a community wide survey. including the possible implementation of a C)A community consultation process for stakeholders input for various pesticide management by-law creation (general community, specific advisory alternatives including possible groups, lawn maintenance companies, private companies). Mr. Jan Kos also proposed changes to the wording of clause A), highlighted in bold text as follows: A)A community wide approach to an integrated education campaign for the general effective public, set protocols with lawn maintenance companies, and work with retailers to raise awareness about best management practices for using pesticides and alternatives to pesticide use. ; and further, that this campaign be initiated within a one year timeframe Mr. P. O’Toole put forward a motion to endorse the Terms of Reference including clause A) as amended by Mr. Kos and excluding clauses B) and C). Mr. O’Toole’s motion failed to receive a seconder and accordingly, was not voted on. On motion by Mr. J. Kos - it was resolved: “That the City of Kitchener endorse the Terms of Reference of the Municipal Pesticides Working Group, dated January 15, 2002, as amended by the Environmental Committee with the changes outlined in bold text in clauses A), B) and C), as follows: MUNICIPAL PESTICIDES WORKING GROUP TERMS OF REFERENCE JANUARY 15, 2002 MEMBERSHIP Township of Woolwich - Tony Herlick Township of North Dumfries - Marvin Bosetti Township of Wilmot - Scott Nancekivell Township of Wellesley - Susan Duke City of Cambridge - April Souwand City of Kitchener - Ted Potwarka and/or Barb Steiner City of Waterloo - Brian Detzler Community Health Department - Liana Nolan, Brian Hatton, David Roewade, Mike Gianfrancesco :To develop a framework for a co-ordinated process that can be presented for PURPOSE discussion/approval to respective councils for endorsement regarding next steps in exploring reduction and possibly regulating cosmetic use of pesticides including community consultation with interested stakeholders. the use of pesticides for the maintenance of Cosmetic Pesticide Use is defined as follows: outdoor trees, shrubs, flowers, ornamental plants and turf and the removal of vegetation from sidewalks and driveways and on other areas on part of the property used for residential, municipal and commercial purposes. : the following strategies are suggested as the next steps to this process: Next Steps A)A community wide approach to an integrated education campaign effective for the general public, set protocols with lawn maintenance companies, and work with retailers to raise awareness about best 4. MUNICIPAL PESTICIDES WORKING GROUP - TERMS OF REFERENCE (CONT’D) ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 7, 2002- 13 -CITY OF KITCHENER management practices for using pesticides and alternatives to pesticide use ; . and further, that this campaign be initiated within a one year timeframe B)Obtain more information on the support for various pesticide management by-law through a alternatives including the possible implementation of a community wide survey. C)A community consultation process for stakeholders input for various by-law creation pesticide management alternatives including possible (general community, specific advisory groups, lawn maintenance companies, private companies). Regional staff and the municipal working group will continue to play a facilitative role in Other: meetings and consultations as well as provide support to area municipalities on an as needed basis.” It was noted that the Environmental Committee also strongly supports obtaining the services of an outside, independent research group to undertake the survey proposed in clause B) to ensure a well balanced and unbiased result. The recommendation noted above was approved unanimously and will be forwarded to City Council for consideration at its meeting to be held on March 18, 2002. 5. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:45 p.m. J. Billett, AMCT Committee Administrator