Current status

On September 10, 2024, the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks approved the terms of reference for this project, which is the first step in the environmental assessment process.

Get details on the notice of approval.

Project summary

Walker Environmental Group Inc. (Walker) is proposing to expand its existing South Landfill located in the City of Niagara Falls. The South Landfill Phase 2 project would see Walker expand landfilling operations to Walker’s Southeast Quarry, east of Taylor Road. This would provide an additional 18 million cubic metres of disposal capacity, which is anticipated to allow the site to continue accepting waste for an additional 20 years.

Learn more on the proponent’s website.

Proponent

Walker Environmental Group Inc.

Location

3081 Taylor Road, City of Niagara Falls

Project type

Waste management

Reference number

24004

Contact

Project history

Terms of reference: approved
Date submitted: June 28, 2024
Expiry of public comment period: July 30, 2024
Decision date: September 10, 2024

Terms of reference

The purpose of the environmental assessment (EA) is to identify alternatives and study the potential effects of the proposed landfill expansion on the environment.

Walker submitted its proposed terms of reference for the South Landfill Phase 2 Environmental Assessment for approval by the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks on June 28, 2024.

On September 10, 2024, the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks approved the terms of reference for this project, which is the first step in the environmental assessment process.  The terms of reference sets out Walker’s work plan for addressing the Environmental Assessment Act requirements for the EA. It builds upon the background work completed to date and includes:

  • alternatives and criteria to evaluate impacts that will be considered in the EA
  • a description of public consultation activities and the consultation plan to be completed for the EA
  • responses to comments raised during the review of the draft terms of reference

Notice of approval

Environmental Assessment Act subsection 17.4 (10) approval of terms of reference for the preparation of an environmental assessment.

Proponent: Walker Environmental Group Inc. (Walker)
Project: Walker South Landfill Phase 2 Environmental Assessment
EA file no.: 24004

As provided for by subsection 17.4 (10) of the Environmental Assessment Act, the terms of reference submitted for approval to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks on June 28, 2024 (terms of reference) to govern the preparation of an environmental assessment for the above-noted project, is hereby approved.

Pursuant to subsection 17.6 (1) of the Environmental Assessment Act, any environmental assessment for the above-noted project given to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks must be prepared in accordance with the terms of reference, as hereby approved.

Reasons

I am satisfied that an environmental assessment prepared in accordance with the terms of reference, will be consistent with the purpose of the Environmental Assessment Act and the public interest for the following reasons:

  1. The terms of reference provides that the environmental assessment will be completed using a comprehensive public, Indigenous and government agency consultation process that is open and transparent.
  2. The terms of reference provides an appropriate level of detail to confirm that the completed environmental assessment should contain a sufficient level of detail to accurately assess the environmental effects of alternative methods.
  3. The terms of reference sets out a planning process that will ensure the completed environmental assessment will be consistent with the purpose of the Environmental Assessment Act and the public interest.
  4. There are no outstanding issues that have not been incorporated into the terms of reference or that cannot be addressed during the preparation of the environmental assessment.

Dated the 10th day of September, 2024 at Toronto.

Original signed by: 
Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks
777 Bay Street, 5th Floor
Toronto, Ontario
M7A 2J3