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New bylaw aimed at controlling fine particulate matter emissions Town council is submitting a new bylaw, aimed at controlling major emissions of fine particulate matter, for public review. These emissions are an issue because fine particulate matter 2.5 (PM 2.5) has been associated with hospital admissions and several serious health effects, even premature death. PM 2.5 emissions is one of the major concerns of local residents and politicians opposed to TransCanada's proposed 900 megawatt gas-fueled power plant in southeast Oakville. "In the absence of effective regulation of fine PM by either the provincial or federal governments, we're taking action to protect the health of Oakville residents," said Mayor Rob Burton last week. "Under the proposed bylaw, facilities that emit fine PM would undergo a rigorous approval process and would be subject to reporting requirements on an ongoing basis." Under the proposed bylaw the Town would collect information from facilities that emit fine PM, implement regulatory controls and monitor emissions. As a result of this action major emitters of fine PM could be designated as public nuisances. The Town's Director of Environmental Policy Cindy Toth explained the application process potential emitters would have to go through in order to gain the Town's approval. "Facilities would be required under this bylaw to provide us with the average and worst-case rates of emissions during operations," said Toth. "It would apply to proposed facilities that emit major concentrations of fine PM and their applications would go through both a peer review and public consultation process. Existing facilities causing such emissions would be subject to a one-year transition before having to seek Town approval." A person with appropriate expertise would conduct the peer review of a facility's application and the review and complete application would be submitted for comment to the Halton Region Health Department and posted on the Town's website. The public and the applicant would then have an opportunity to comment on the application and peer review and make delegations to council. "We know Oakville residents want and deserve a say in decisions that will affect their health and the health of the environment," said Burton. "This bylaw would make it mandatory that the public receives real information on the consequences of operating facilities that emit fine PM within their town." Potential emitters who do receive approval from the Town would have to prepare annual reports for at least three years following the approval that include their actual recorded emissions of fine PM. The bylaw will come before council for approval in February. For more information and to read the staff report and proposed bylaw, visit www.oakville.ca/powerplantupdates.htm. No parking, no problem 5 · Tuesday, December 29, 2009 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.oakvillebeaver.com MICHAEL IVANIN / SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER OFF ROAD SOLUTION: The driver of this Jeep employed a unique solution to finding a parking space on Boxing Day at the Dorval Crossing shopping centre. If you have a news tip or story idea, call the Oakville Beaver at 905-845-3824. Inside Opinion.......................................................6 Living........................................................17 Auto..........................................................31 Artscene...................................................35 Sports.......................................................41 Classified.................................................45 Full Delivery: Shopping News, Future Shop, Home Depot, Best Buy Canada Partial Delivery: Mississauga Booster, M&M Meats, Active Magazine For home delivery & customer service call (905) 845-9742 Mon., Tues. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Wed., Thu., and Fri. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. (open for calls only after 5 p.m.) Closed Sat. and Sun. NEW SUBSCRIPTIONS call (905) 845-9742 or subscribe online @ www.oakvillebeaver.com 60% TO 70% OFF HWY. #6 N W S E BOXING WEEK SPECIAL WATERDOWN Visit Our SHOWROOM · Quality Craftsmanship · Innovative Designs · Professional Service & Installation · 10 Year Warranty Watch Us Fashions 1131 Nottinghill Gate (4th Line) Oakville SOU TH D HWY. #5 HALLMARK KITCHENS 23 INNOVATION DRIVE www.hallmarkkitchens.ca R. WATERDOWN 905-827-2271 Oakville's Fashion Experts Karen & Kim