November 10th, 2015

Horwath: Hamilton Garbage Gasification Plant must have Environmental Assessment

Ontario NDP Leader and Hamilton Centre MPP Andrea Horwath is calling on the Liberal government to complete a full Environmental Assessment of the Hamilton Gasification Plant before plans go any further. Horwath was joined by Ward 3 Councillor Matthew Green, Environment Hamilton Executive Director Linda Lukasik, and community members. 

“Hamiltonians are sending a clear message that they don’t want an untested garbage gasification plant in their back yard,” said Horwath. “The Liberals need to step up and ensure that Hamiltonians do not become guinea pigs for a brand-new, untested technology.”

 

The project requires approval from Environment and Climate Change Minister Glen Murray. So far, the Minister has refused to commit to a full Environmental Assessment, choosing instead to rely on an “Environmental Screening.” The screening process has been criticized by Ontario’s Independent Environmental Commissioner, saying that the Ministry has “not provided any science-based rationale to support the government’s decision” to move away from full Environmental Assessments, in favour of the less rigorous screening process. 

“The Minister needs to listen to the experts, listen to Hamiltonians and demand a full Environmental Assessment,” continued Horwath. “I’m proud to join local residents, NGOs and municipal leaders and say that the Minister needs to do more than a basic screening before putting a massive, unproven gasification plant in the heart of our community.”

Independent experts WSP Canada confirm that the technology is untested and “may not have been appropriately assessed” by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.