(Queen’s Park) – Simcoe North MPP Garfield Dunlop announced today that the new McGuinty government has refused to grant his request for a review of the Certificate of Approval (C of A) for Site 41 in the Township of Tiny. Dunlop had requested the review under the Environmental Bill of Rights in late February 2004.

In a decision dated May 4, 2004, the Ministry of the Environment denied Dunlop’s Application for Review, claiming that the C of A is already under review by the Environmental Protection Act Part V Director as part of the ongoing approvals process.

“I am truly disappointed and dissatisfied with Minister Dombrowsky’s decision and the reasons for it,” said Dunlop. “The application process for Site 41 has continued since 1978 and it appears that it will drag on, as the Ministry is still waiting for the County to provide responses to Ministry comments on the Gull Management Plan, surface water discharge as it relates to construction de-watering activities, and waste water treatment plant capacity.”

In releasing the White Paper on Watershed-based Source Protection Planning and announcing consultations on this document last December, Environment Minister Leona Dombrowsky pledged to “develop legislation that would protect water before it enters our drinking water systems”.

“I am truly concerned that the Minister will grandfather the application for the proposed landfill at Site 41 and totally ignore the legislation if and when it is enacted,” said Dunlop. “As the local MPP, I will keep up the good fight to stop Site 41 and to hold Environment Minister Leona Dombrowsky accountable for all decisions that impact Site 41.”

Contacts:
Garfield Dunlop
(705) 327-4500 (cell)