Funding announced for regional waste management initiatives

Tom Osborne, Minister of Environment and Conservation, and John Scott, chair and CEO of the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board (MMSB), today announced $285,000 in funding for regional waste management initiatives on the Northern Peninsula and in the Green Bay area. Funding for these initiatives comes from the Newfoundland and Labrador Waste Management Trust Fund that is administered by MMSB.

The funding includes $185,000 to NorPen Waste Management Authority for the permanent closure of three municipal waste disposal sites at Main Brook, Conche and Ship Cove, as part of a plan by the authority to consolidate as many landfills as possible on the Northern Peninsula. NorPen Waste Management Authority received the funds to cover the costs of closing down the three existing sites in an environmentally-responsible manner. Waste from Main Brook and Conche will now go to a new consolidated landfill site located at Roddickton. Waste from Ship Cove will be managed at a regional landfill in St. Anthony.

NorPen Waste Management Authority also received $50,000 to support the ongoing activities of its waste management coordinator position to maintain momentum in the implementation of its regional waste management plan. The Green Bay Waste Authority also received $50,000 for the continuation of its regional waste management coordinator position.

Minister Osborne said these initiatives support the provincial waste management strategy�s goals of reducing the number of waste disposal sites in the province by 80 per cent and adopting a more regional approach to solid waste management in Newfoundland and Labrador.

"A regional approach to managing solid waste is the most cost-effective approach to achieving our waste management goals over the long term in an environmentally-responsible and sustainable manner, especially for rural areas," said Minister Osborne. "The vision and commitment demonstrated by NorPen Waste Management Authority and the Green Bay Waste Authority are to be commended. We are pleased to support their efforts through the Newfoundland and Labrador Waste Management Trust Fund."

Mr. Scott said that MMSB will continue to make strategic investments through the trust fund in keeping with the waste management plans of all regions of the province. "Working with regional waste management committees, municipalities and other stakeholders around the province is paramount to advancing the provincial waste management strategy and ensuring that all regions are well positioned to meet their long term waste management challenges," said Mr. Scott.

Trevor Taylor, MHA for the Straits and White Bay North, expressed his continued support for NorPen Waste Management Authority. "NorPen has taken a sound and proactive approach to implementing progressive regional waste management practices on the Northern Peninsula. The funding announced today brings NorPen one step closer to realizing its plan for the consolidation of waste disposal sites throughout the region and a greener environment for residents as a whole," said Minister Taylor.

Windsor-Springdale MHA Ray Hunter praised the continued support of MMSB and government in their ongoing commitment to the Green Bay Waste Authority. "I applaud MMSB for providing continued support to such an important environmental initiative in the District of Windsor-Springdale," said Mr. Hunter.

MMSB is a provincial Crown agency that reports to the Minister of Environment and Conservation. MMSB supports modern waste management practices in the province, with a particular focus on waste diversion, recycling and public education, in order to ensure a clean and healthy environment throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

Media contact:
Deborah Slade, MMSB, Communications (709)753-0949
Tina Coffey, Environment and Conservation, Communications (709)729-5783, 728-8650

2006 02 14        10:55 a.m.