Toxic soil gets turfed
U.S. waste won't be coming here

A plan to ship 8,600 tonnes of contaminated U.S. soil to a Richmond landfill has been abandoned.

Representatives from Ecowaste Industries and Hazco Environmental Services told Richmond city council Monday night that their companies will not pursue plans to treat and dispose of the soil, in response to community concerns.

"While we are confident the proposal was environmentally sound, we are also sensitive to the concerns expressed by our neighbours and fellow members of the community," Hazco vice-president Gregory Campbell said.

The companies had already gone through all the correct channels and secured all necessary permits to import the soil from U.S.-based Time Oil Company. Due to weaker regulations in Canada, the soil could be treated here, but not at the source in Portland, Oregon-a fact that angered many residents.

The soil, from a wood preservative manufacturing site in Oregon, was contaminated with PCP and dioxin, which are linked to adverse health effects.

Time Oil Company's Terry Henderson said he was informed this week of the company's decision.

"Any time we have an option that's removed from our consideration, we're disappointed because we'd rather have a range of options."

Henderson said his firm didn't lobby for Hazco to reconsider.

Ecowaste president Stuart Somerville added that the two companies would lobby for harmonization of national and international standards for a level playing field.

"We will now work with the government to develop new rules that adequately protect our environment and meet the community's need for environmentally-responsible disposal of contaminated soils," Somerville said.

Both companies were praised by city council.

"We understand it's your livelihood and we appreciate you being able to see the bigger picture," Mayor Malcolm Brodie said.

The city will also participate in the lobbying effort, and plans to forward a report to the province.

A public display will be prepared and residents will be asked to comment on soil regulations.

Ecowaste owns and operates the 400-acre landfill site at 15111 Williams Rd. Hazco provides environmental remediation and other waste management services in Western Canada