Ridge Landfill expansion sought

Progressive Waste Solutions is in the process of applying for an expansion of operations at its Ridge Landfill site that could assure its viability for the next two decades.

Project manager Cathy Smith said the process involves having the province approve land within the site.

Only 350 acres of the 800-acre site is approved to accept waste. Approval by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change would mean another 200 to 250 acres would be available.

The company will host a May 3 open house meeting in Blenheim to get residents’ feedback. The open house is from 5-8 p.m. at St. Mary’s Hall, 94 George St. in Blenheim.

Smith said her firm is also seeking approval to accept waste materials from across the province, although she doesn’t expect there will be a major change in the way the site operates.

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“There are two kinds of licences; those that allow us to accept material from adjacent areas and another that allows province-wide material.

If approved, it will just give us more flexibility to accept material if the need arises.”

There would be no change in the type of waste permitted, nor would the site accept more than its current 1.3 million tonnes.

She said the plan should be submitted to the province by August with the earliest approval being toward the end of this year.

Development of the new portion of the site would still be four years away.

Smith noted in addition to taxes, the municipality receives $2.3 million as a royalty payment for hosting the site. The firm also makes donations to the Ridge Landfill Trust for community projects.