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Sludge spreading causes concern By Oksana Buhel The Region of Halton has already finished spreading * sewage over a field on Eighth Line, near Wildwood Rd. in Georgetown, but area residents are still trying to figure out what happened. “No one in the area was notified about the spreading - it was just done,” complained Sheila Burns, a neighbor to the Lot 22 site which was sp) with sludge (biosolids) during a four-day period - July 30, Aug. 3, 4 and 5. During this time, 520,000 gallons of sludge was spread on the 60- 70 acre field. . Burns began calling Town of Halton Hills staff, Halton Region staff and anyone who “could explain the Halton Region Sludge Utilization Program to her. “No one could answer my question (regarding the possibility of heavy metals in the sewage,)” she said. “I was given a complete run- around.” She said the only per- son who provided information was Town of Halton Hills Mayor, Russ Miller, who called Burns Friday. Ed Caldwell, another neigh- bor, also addressed town staff with his concerns. Caldwell could not remember who he spoke to, but distinctly remem- bered being assured the process was safe. Caldwell did not feel the explanation was adequate. “I don’t even know what it (sludge utilization pro- gram) is,” he said. Caldwell’ s wife, Claudette, was similarly baffled. “How come nobody was notified,” she demanded. The Caldwells Tun a stable and are concerned the sludge will affect the stream running through their Eroperty where their horses concerned about their well water Rumors began circulating gunee ereading was banned in Peel Region, and residents were demanding why it was being practiced in Halton. “Not as far as I know,” responded John Timko, man- ager of South Peel water and sewage system, when asked if sludge-spreading had been banned. “I’ve been here for eight years and it’s gone on at least that long.” He added sludge-spreading has been cut down, but only because most domestic and industrial sewage is being incinerated. (Halton Region does not have an incin- erator.) Timko admitted there may be a slight problem with odors, but no worse than caused by the spreading of manure. jure. Victor Lesnicki, Halton Regional manager of waste reduction, explained heavy tal. concentrations are moni- tored strictly by the Ministry of Energy - and the Environment (MOEE). He added farms which have sludge spread on them are “tracked very carefully,” and a “pretty sophisticated” record- keeping system, organized by people who are strictly con- cerned with sludge utilization, ensures everything runs smoothly: “Halton is a recognized leader in sl gress The sludge is applied to paricandral fields at the 8th Line site in north Georgtown, leased by Daryl Gibberson, with the Terra-Gator which tills the soil and pours the liquid sludge into the grooves. Sludge cannot be ‘applied again for five years according to Ministry of the Environment guidelines. phi oto by Simon Wilson/HHTW d. area were not notified of the spreading, Lesnicki said it boasted Lesnicki. “We’ ve been asked to host many workshops on the topic on behalf of the MOEE.” Asked why residents in the Eighth Line/ Wildwood was the of the farmer to inform potentially concerned neighbors, adding his own staff is willing to answer any questions. Peter Morden, regional sludge man- agement co-ordinator, deals strictly with this issue. Local environmentalist Rita Landry, expressed concer the community would not be able to handle the amount of sludge; the exact contents of the sludge would not be known, therefore would not be treatable, and the Region would not reliably monitor the spread areas. She added, how- ever, she has “not yet had a chance to talk with the Region.” Vol. 2, No. 7 Wednesday, July 11, 1993 HIS WEEN pages wie ons naan ie RE/MAX SUBURBAN (91) INC. 877-5211 874-3051 MICHAEL (MIKE) ADAMS, ‘Award Winning Sales Rep 232 Guelph St., Georgetown 873-2254 _-Suggestion to reduce council is rejected By Oksana Buhel Town of Halton Hills councillors gave various rea- be modified, at Monday’s council meet- ing. “I can’t support this,” oun. Gail Rutherford said “Population is increasing and it wouldn’t make sense if council size decreased.” She described the “unique- ness” of Halton Hills resi- dents, who are anxious to Participate in council meet- ings. Rutherford challenged Johnston’s theory that cut- ting down the number of councillors would decrease staff time and allow staff to focus on other issues. “I think this will increase staff time,” she said. Rutherford Pam Johnston ‘Your independent voice in Halton Hills’ Halton Hills’ representation on regional council. Coun. Al Cook agreed with Miller, recommending the motion be deferred until the region commented on the effect such a reduction would EI g Janet Lunn-Stewart, town clerk assured Cook the process would “still take a while.” Coun. Rick Bonnette informed council his appre- hension was based on a “technicality.” A change in council size would have to. something better long. motion was defeated, 10 - 1. be approved by Queen’s Park, which would not hap- pen until 1997, at the earli- est. “We’d be tying the hands of a future council,” Bonnette explained. He added the duties of the town’s 32 sub-committees, now divided between 12 councillors, would.be divid- Norm Elliott agreed, saying work.done by Halton Hills councillors was “the best bang for the buck.” Johnston had predicted in her report approximately $45,000 would be saved in salaries by having two coun- cillors, instead of three, in the four wards. “We often work over 20 hours a week for an annual salary of $11,000,” Elliott reminded councillors. He admitted a lot of review was necessary but current council ‘size and structure was adequate until came In a recorded vote, the paign he will be running in his own riding. “The same way I expect government to within budget. No frills.” mmenting on what the issues will be in the cam- paign he noted “...the old parties have made such a mess of things, everything is an issue now. We will con- affect average Canadians GEORGETOWN LIVING LIGHTING Ope n Weekn: until 9 p.m Solid Brass Banker's Lamp jith green shade Clip-on Desk $89 or Bed Lamip Bub: tun: simple, low cost and “a statement agreeing to fol- We reserve the right to limit quantities. anged, not just the yy The Libertarian Party was founded in the *70’s at"both the federal and provincial levels. Voting members, officers and candidates sign low a set of principles which treat everyone equally, lim- its governments to “basics” and condemns the use of force or fraud by individuals or government. / Clamp-on Flex-arm sk Lamp white, black, or red