As part of the Provincial Government�s
ongoing commitment to reduce the number of landfills in
the province, an investment of $165,750 by the
Multi-Materials Stewardship Board (MMSB) will facilitate
the closure of the Garden Cove landfill. The funding
comes from the Waste Management Trust Fund administered
by the MMSB.
"This investment is in keeping with
our objective of creating a more sustainable approach to
waste management in the province, as outlined under the
Provincial Waste Management Strategy," said the
Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Environment and
Conservation. "This closure will be another example of
how we are successfully working with municipalities and
local service districts to close landfill sites and
facilitate the process of moving to an improved and
modern approach for waste disposal. We need to continue
to work together to achieve all of our waste management
strategy goals."
The Garden Cove site services the
communities of Garden Cove, Swift Current, North Harbour
and Goobies, with a combined population of approximately
660 residents. The Sunnyside waste management site has
been selected as the interim waste disposal site for
these communities.
"Closure of landfill sites are a
critical component as we continue to advance the
Provincial Solid Waste Management Strategy," said the
Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Municipal Affairs
(Acting). "Participating communities should be commended
for taking this important step in improving waste
disposal and for their commitment to cleaning up the
environment."
Leigh Puddester, Chair and Chief
Executive Officer of the MMSB, said his organization is
committed to doing its part to help achieve the goals
outlined in the Provincial Government�s waste management
strategy.
"Making strategic investments in
projects that provide long-term environmental benefits
is key to becoming a greener and healthier province,"
said Mr. Puddester. "The Waste Management Trust Fund
plays an important role in this regard, and the MMSB
will continue to invest in initiatives that will guide
the province to achieve modern waste management and
ensure a cleaner environment for the future."
"Our government has been extremely
dedicated to implementing a modern waste management
system, and this is another important step in improving
our province�s waste disposal," said Calvin Peach, MHA
for Bellevue. "I am very pleased with the
co-operation among these communities, resulting in this
joint agreement to close this site and protect our
environment."
In May 2007, the Provincial Government
announced implementation of the $200-million Provincial
Solid Waste Management Strategy, with a goal for full
implementation by 2020. The strategy calls for
full-service regional waste management facilities in
three areas � Eastern, Central and Western � on the
island portion of the province, and programs to be
developed for the zones in Labrador to meet the
provincial waste management goals. The provincial
strategy aims to reduce the number of landfill sites in
the province by 80 per cent to reduce the amount of
garbage going into landfills in the province by 50 per
cent, supported by the development of new infrastructure
to facilitate the implementation of broad-based
recycling activities at the regional level; and to focus
attention on reducing the amount of waste generated in
the province through an aggressive public education
campaign.
MMSB is a provincial Crown agency that
reports to the Minister of Environment and Conservation.
Its mandate is to support progressive 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.
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