NAPANEE, Ont. – Word of stormwater leakage from an eastern Ontario landfill is prompting renewed calls for the closure of the Napanee-area facility.

The Canadian Environmental Law Association says a provincial officer’s order and a provincial offences notice were issued against Waste Management of Canada Corp., after a recent inspection by the Environment Ministry.

The provincial officer’s report says stormwater was being discharged from the Richmond Landfill last Dec. 20.

And on Jan. 5, ministry staff observed another discharge and estimated the flow at more than 20,000 litres per day.

The ministry has noted that due to the nature of operations at the site, stormwater may be contaminated through contact with on-site waste.

Wes Muir, a spokesman for Waste Management, said tests by his company and the ministry determined the water wasn’t harmful.

“It was determined by the MOE that it posed no impact to the environment or human health,” Muir said Monday, adding a valve had accidentally been left open.

“We were fined $350 for leaving the valve open,” he said.

Chief Donald Maracle of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte said the site is not suitable for any landfill operations, adding he’s concerned about potential health impacts on his community.

“We have always been concerned about off-site impacts since the surface and ground water at the dump site moves towards our community,” Maracle said Monday in a release.

“We are astounded that (Waste Management) did not notify us about the significant leakage of its stormwater pond and its operational failings,” he said.

Muir disputed that Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte were not notified, saying they were contacted in mid-January.

“We had put it on our website, we had sent a manager’s letter to our neighbours and a number of stakeholders, including the MBQ (Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte),” Muir said. “We dropped it off at their offices.”

The site has been a concern to Tyendinaga Township council for many years, said reeve Rick Phillips.

“This is just further evidence that our fears and concerns are well-founded,” Phillips said.

“This site has proven to be, time and again, an unsuitable location for a landfill operation,” he said.

via Closure of leaky Eastern Ontario landfill urged; Mohawks voice health concerns – Winnipeg Free Press.