What Experts Say About Modern Energy from Waste
While older incinerators often raised health concerns, health experts and environmental agencies agree that new generations of energy from waste (EfW) facilities, like Emerald’s, pose low health risks to surrounding communities. Emerald Energy from Waste’s multi-stage Air Pollution Control (APC) system, paired with continuous emissions monitoring and third-party testing, ensures air pollutants remain well below provincial health thresholds. Backed by Ontario’s Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks regulations, Emerald’s operations demonstrate how modern EfW technology can manage residual waste safely and effectively.
Emerald’s Facility: Designed for Safety and Transparency
Emerald Energy from Waste has been operating for over three decades. Throughout that time, we have consistently complied with Ontario’s strict environmental standards. Emerald’s facility is equipped with a multi-stage Air Pollution Control (APC) system that removes acid gases, mercury and heavy metals, dioxins and furans, particulate matter and nitrogen oxides (NOx). Independent stack testing, continuous emissions monitoring, and ambient air quality monitoring provide ongoing assurance to local communities and stakeholders that Emerald’s operations meet standards. With Emerald’s expansion underway, we can confirm that the facility’s emissions are expected to remain within provincial and federal air quality standards. The approved environmental screening report also commits Emerald to maintaining our robust monitoring and making results publicly available to communities, regulators and stakeholders, reinforcing transparency and accountability.
Health Risk Assessments Confirm Low Risk
As part of the expansion review and approval process, Emerald commissioned a Human Health Risk Assessment (HHRA). The analysis found that the only emissions of concern —nitrogen oxides and fine particulate matter —would not result in a significant increase in health risks for residents. Most of the community’s exposure comes from existing background pollution, not the facility itself. The findings are consistent with broader public health reviews, which show that well-controlled EfW facilities only contribute marginally to overall air quality risks.
Going Beyond Compliance: Emerald’s Community Commitments
Emerald’s commitment extends beyond meeting regulatory limits, as we are dedicated to continuing independent stack and ambient monitoring to verify performance. We also maintain a public complaint and response program to address community concerns regarding odour, noise, or traffic. Additionally, Emerald is developing a system to provide real-time monitoring for local communities and stakeholders to review. This initiative keeps us accountable and transparent in our operations. The facility is also exploring future innovations, such as carbon capture and Green Hydrogen production, which would further reduce emissions and support Ontario’s clean energy goals.
Why Energy from Waste at Emerald Is Safer Than Landfilling
Landfills remain Ontario’s primary method of managing residual waste, but over time, they release methane, a powerful greenhouse gas that is 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Additionally, disposal sites can leach contaminants into groundwater if not adequately monitored and controlled. By contrast, Emerald’s facility prevents methane generation, recovers valuable energy from residual waste and manages emissions through modern air quality controls. The greenhouse gas produced per unit of energy through the EfW process is comparable to, or even lower than, natural gas power plants.
The Bottom Line: Safe When Done Right
The scientific consensus is clear: modern EfW facilities, like Emerald Energy from Waste, are safe when equipped with advanced controls, operated under strict standards and monitored transparently. Emerald embodies this approach as its facility not only meets Ontario’s regulatory requirements but also goes beyond by investing in independent stack assessments, ongoing monitoring and open community engagement. For Peel Region and Ontario, Emerald’s expansion represents a safe, science-backed solution to the waste and landfill capacity crisis. This solution protects public health, reduces greenhouse gases and supplies reliable clean energy.
