ST. JOHN’S, N.L. – Municipal Affairs and Environment Minister Andrew Parsons has dismissed an appeal of the requirement that an environmental impact statement (EIS) be completed for the proposed industrial composting facility project on the Argentia access road.
Parsons announced Metro Environmental Services Inc. would need to complete an EIS back in May.
The company appealed the decision in accordance with the Environmental Protection Act on July 4.
A previous environmental assessment bulletin released by the Department of Municipal Affairs and Environment in May indicated additional information must be provided in the EIS to demonstrate the economic viability of the project and to describe a public information program to address any concerns from the public.
Metro Environmental is proposing to compost a variety of organic waste from commercial and industrial sources in the province and turn it into a marketable fertilizer.
The facility would be located approximately 3.5 kilometres southwest of the intersection of the Trans-Canada Highway and Route 100.
Parsons’ decision letter to the company can be viewed at www.mae.gov.nl.ca/env_assessment/projects/Y2016/1838/index.html.
In it, he details the significant public opposition the project has received from both residents and business owners in the area.
Odours at the facility and during the transportation of feedstock to the site, as well as increased fly, insect, rodent, animal and gull populations are among the many concerns that have been expressed, Parsons indicated.
