Landfilling of hazardous industrial waste | Not much in the stablex, promising for Quebec

The Stablex Canada hazardous industrial waste landfill site in Blainville does not violate any environmental standards, contrary to what citizens’ groups say, Quebec assures, as it tries to find a way to accommodate a planned expansion of the company’s facilities that it deems “essential.” By the Minister of Environment.

The Ministry of Environment, Combating Climate Change and Wildlife and Parks (MELCCFP) said the company “has not violated environmental regulations nor has any ministerial authorizations issued to the company to oversee its operations.”

The decision was based on the results of sampling from 20 surface water and groundwater wells and pits in sand, clay and bedrock carried out by the MELCCFP in April.

Contaminant readings are considered “no concern” except for one, which has been linked to the use of a chloride dust suppressant in the past.

Citizen concerns

In February citizen groups were alerted to “significant contamination of waterways surrounding the landfill site. [de] Stablex”, they followed the model in the neighboring land of the company.

Various contaminants, including cadmium, have been detected at levels higher than Quebec standards, according to a press release issued by a coalition of organizations including Mères au front – Rivière-des-Mille-Îles with the support of the Society to overcome pollution and Eau Secours. .

“I can understand the citizens’ desire to know more, without disparaging their intentions, but unfortunately, the method used was flawed,” he said in an interview. Pres Minister of the Environment, Combating Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks, Benoît Charette.

There are “obvious flaws” in the citizens’ approach, acknowledges Daniel Green of the Society for Overcoming Pollution, which oversees it.

“We are talking about models made by citizens, not technicians from the environment ministry,” he said, adding that he was limited by budget constraints.

This is why citizens have sent their results to the ministry, asking them to carry out tests at similar points off-site, Mr. Green explains. Stablex Site”.

He asks the ministry to demonstrate “transparency” and publish the results of its analysis and its approach.

“We want to confirm that the ministry sampled without informing the company,” he said. A polluter can stop its leakage. »

Immediate contract for expansion

Concerns about Stablex arise as the company plans to expand its hazardous industrial waste disposal facilities.

Under the authorization granted in 1981, Staples could open a sixth landfill at its site when the fifth, in use, had to be closed.

But the urbanization of the sector over the past 40 years has meant that it is 300 meters away from residential areas, so the company sought authorization to locate it elsewhere, but the Office of Public Inquiry into the Environment (BAPE) The project was recommended to be rejected in September citing its impact on the natural environment.

“We are [étudie] “Another option that allows us to protect sensitive wetlands and keep us away from concerned citizens,” he declared. Pres Minister Benoit Charette.

This option will be carried out on one or the other of the two sites already studied, but with “variations” to the initial plans, the Minister notes, adding that he expects an agreement to be concluded between Stablex, the City of Blainville and the Ministry. environment in the coming days or weeks.

“We have to understand that Stablex is essential in Quebec; it is the only company that specializes in the management of contaminated materials,” the minister underlines.

Stablex is satisfied

Sampling carried out by the MELCCFP in April, since the start of the plant’s operation, in 1983 and 65 “field surveys” carried out by the ministry between 2015 and 2023, did not find any. There are no leaks or evidence of contamination from the landfill site, its press release notes.

Stablex is also legally required to carry out its own environmental monitoring of groundwater, surface water, water discharged into the sewer network and potential atmospheric emissions linked to its operations.

“We are pleased to note that the results of the analysis carried out by the MELCCFP are consistent with our own,” he said. Pres Maxime Couture, spokesperson for Stablex, believes that “these results confirm our commitment in terms of environmental compliance and our strict practices”.