Since its inception in 1992, Ontario’s Emerald Energy from Waste facility has converted residual non-hazardous waste into electricity and steam. As the facility proposes a significant expansion, skeptics and stakeholders raise questions about its impact on Ontario public health. Fortunately, the redevelopment underwent an Environmental Screening Process under Ontario’s Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP). This assessment went through extensive technical studies and public consultation to ensure the expansion meets the highest safety and environmental standards. Our approved Environmental Screening Report is available for review. Still, we also highlighted key findings in this blog article to ensure our community is well-informed about the redevelopment project.
What Science Says About Energy From Waste’s Safety and Ontario Public Health
Broad scientific consensus and Ontario’s own regulatory findings confirm that modern, well-designed energy from waste (EfW) plants, like Emerald, do not pose a risk to human health when appropriately managed. Potential pollutants, including particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, mercury, lead, dioxins and furans, were rigorously assessed in the Environmental Screening Report.
In contrast, a systematic review published in Environmental Research Letters highlights the potential risks associated with poorly operated facilities. These may be facilities that accept unsorted feedstock. However, Emerald Energy from Waste follows Ontario’s stringent emission regulations and takes extra precautions when monitoring the EfW process. We screen the delivered waste and only accept non-recyclable, non-hazardous waste for the subsequent stages of the process.
The Human Health Risk Assessment concluded that only nitrogen oxide and particulate matter emissions from the expansion have the potential to affect community health. However, modelling shows these emissions will not significantly increase health risks. Most of the concentrations are from rising background levels in the region, rather than from the facility itself. Similarly, the Air Quality Assessment found compliance with all provincial and federal standards. The nearest sensitive location (a sports field 590 metres away) was used as a reference when testing the compliance. There are minor exceedances for some pollutants only around the property line, which are largely attributed to preexisting background conditions.
How We Capture and Neutralize Harmful Pollutants for Peel Public Health
Peel Public Health and Ontario environmental authorities rigorously reviewed the proposed expansion of Emerald in Brampton. The review indicates the proposed facility operates within regulations, with worst-case emissions modelling showing most pollutants remain within limits. Our operating technologies comply with provincial rules, emphasizing continuous emissions monitoring and advanced pollution controls.
Emerald employs an Air Pollution Control system (APC) that includes evaporating cooling towers, venturi reactors, baghouse filters, and a selective catalytic reduction system. This system captures acid gases, mercury, heavy metals, dioxins, furans, particulate matter, and nitrogen oxides before they enter the atmosphere. With this system in place, Emerald can produce clean energy from waste while also protecting the environment from harmful pollutants.
Ontario’s environmental authorities regularly receive emissions data from Emerald to ensure compliance. As recommended in the Human Health Impact Assessment, Emerald will continue to make environmental monitoring results publicly available. Additionally, we will maintain a public complaint response program to address any noise, odour, or traffic concerns. Emerald commits to best practices in emission control, community transparency, and environmental justice. We continuously monitor our processes, engage in independent oversight, and hold open stakeholder meetings. We do this to build public trust and align our operations with Ontario public health and sustainability goals.
Addressing Ontario Public Health, Safety, and Environmental Concerns
The Environmental Screening Report covers much more than just air emissions. The report assessed potential impacts to surface water, groundwater, noise, natural habitats, and traffic. Through this reporting, it also identified targeted mitigation measures for each area of concern. Stormwater management systems, oil/grit separators, and bioswales will control runoff and prevent erosion during extreme water levels. Noise control measures and restricted construction hours are in place to minimize sound impacts for local communities. Habitat offsetting will increase the local wetland habitat by 683m2, exceeding the existing conditions. Lastly, congestion near the site entrances will decrease with the potential of a traffic signal, in turn improving traffic flow. The studies conclude that, with appropriate measures in place, the facility’s redevelopment delivers low environmental impacts and economic/social benefits.
Tackling Methane Emissions Through Waste Diversion
The energy from waste process prevents methane emissions by thermally processing non-recyclable, non-hazardous residual waste. Comparatively, landfills emit methane, a potent greenhouse gas responsible for 25% of climate change. When organic waste decomposes in landfills, it releases methane, which poses environmental and public health risks through air pollutants. By diverting residual waste from landfills, Emerald limits emissions before they occur while also generating clean energy.
Overall, when EfW facilities are built and operated under strict standards, with rigorous oversight, they do not pose significant public health risks. Additionally, they can reduce environmental harm. With the proposed expansion of the Emerald facility, we dedicate ourselves to strengthening pollutant controls, regularly report our emission reports, and address the community’s health needs.
