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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Huron Expositor, 1996-05-22, Page 3News and Views 4010,61,4111011111010001011111110000.1111.16 PHOTO BY DAVID SCOTT REMAINS OF VEHICLE - Passersby at the fatal Victoria Day accident at Winthrop and Seaforth fireman Doug Hildebrand, right, look at the unrecognizable pick-up truck of James Hubbard which was destroyed in the crash. Hubbard, 33, of Blyth was killed in the collision with a transport truck. The accident is under investigation by the Goderich OPP. Charges are pending. Mid -Huron Landfill Site Board Cause of strong fumesleachate unknown BY DAVID SCOTT Expositor Editor Where is that smell coming from? That is the question plagu- ing members of the Mid - Huron Landfill Site (MHLS) Board since toxic fumes from its leachate holding facility in Goderich seeped into neigh- bouring buildings in Parsons Cmure'nllet this year. Following the recommen- dations of engineering firm Conestoga -Rovers and Associates of Waterloo, the board last month agreed to cover the cost of installing a "P -trap" on the sewer line to the Knights of Columbus hall, one of the buildings where toxic fumes (hydrogen sulfide) were present. The trap would prevent any gas travelling along the line from entering the building. The board is also going ahead with plans to make it easier for the current leachate hauler to unload at the facili- ty by creating a second unloading connection and extending the driveway for spill containment. The mystery. however, remains in what is causing the toxic fumes in the leachate. Landfill site super- visor Frank Postill has been • testing the pH level of the leachate and the hauling tank before they leave the. site. And the tests, so far, have been neutral. However, tests taken on thc leachate by Pollution Control Plant Supervisor Duane Forth after it's been unloaded at the holding facility in Godcrich, have been high. Postill has also been adding five gallons of chlorine per compartment in the leachate hauling truck to control the odour. as per recommenda• - tion of Conestoga -Rovers. "The tests are alright here but by the time it gets to Goderich it's high," said the site supervisor. "I'm not a chemist but I don't know why pH and smell have anything to do with each other," said Ken Hunter, board member and Commissioncr of Works for Godcrich. Conestoga -Rovers .says if there is no pH level, there's no need for chlorine, reported Postill. "I don't think five gallons of chlorine will kill every- thing in a load of leachate," said board member Bill Carnochan, Reeve of Tuckersmith Township. "Five gallons of chlorine won't even clean water." "It's like an eyedropper," added Hunter. Fumes Still a Problem "For a couple of years, we've never had a problem at Goderich. Then in January we have a problem. I don't understand," said Hunter. Postill questioned whether someone might be dumping toxic substances in the storm sewer near the leachate facili- ty. "No, the sewer is separate from the storm sewer. The leachate is at the end of the line. No one is putting stuff in," said Godcrich's works commissioner. He reported that the only time there is a strong smell and complaints is when they arc pumping leachate at the facility. "Where does the measure of responsibility end?" asked the landfill site supervisor. Hunter said the leachate holding tank in Godcrich would he physically cleaned in the next few weeks which may solve thc problem. One Tuckersmith against decision of board to pay for sewer trap One member municipality of thc Mid -Huron Landfill Site (MHLS) Board isn't happy with thc hoard's recent decision to cover thc cost of installing a P -trap on the sewer line to the Knights of Columbus Hall to prevent leachate fumes from entering the building. Tuckersmith was also against the estimat- ed $6,000 cost of expanding the driveway at the leachate holding facility in Godcrich and installing a second pipe to speed up unloading. "Council felt very strongly that the board overreacted on these two items and felt the hoard should he advised of the feelings of this council." stated a letter to the tvirmS hoard from Tuckersmith. Tuckcrsmith Reeve Bill Carnochan spoke on the mat- ter, although he wasn't pre- sent at thc township council meeting when the resolution was made. "The (leachate) hauler was aware of the pad when he took the job. The previous contractor had no problem. We're doing some of his work for nothing," said Carnochan. The present leachate hauler is Ross Pannabeckcr of RR 5 Godcrich. Sitc supervisor Frank Postill said Pannabecker CONTINUED on page I I board member speculated that maybe some bacterial culture in the tank is reacting with the leachate to cause the strong fumes. Hunter reported that in the past the leachate from the landfill site had a "pea green colour" but now was black. "I think we have to do more work on what's causing it. Why is there a smell now and not before," he said. The MHLS board passed a motion to authorize Conestoga -Rovers and Associates to find the root cause of the leachate odour. With the agreement of the board, Hunter arranged a trip to the leachate holding site for members to see the set-up and where fume problems were happening. THE HURON EXPOSITOR, May 22, 1996-3 SEAFORTH MANOR We Offer... Vacation Stays Convalescent Care Independent Living Community Interaction Home -Like Atmosphere and more YOU WILL FIND LIFE IS STILL TERRIFIC Whether you invite the grandkids over for the afternoon or a friend stops by to say "Ili" things are always very hospitable when you live with us. For more information call CINDY DE GROOF SEAFORTH MANOR 100 JAMES ST.. SEAFORTH 527-0030 govi NSeaforth Co -Operative , Children's Centre Inc. Is pleased to announce that a Rural In -Home Child Care Program • will be offered in Huron County from June 10 -August 16. 1996. Quality child care will he provided in the home of the children aged newborn to 12 years. Although this program is geared to farming families, any family in Huron County is welcome to enrol. Reservations arc taken on a first -conte basis and should he made as soon as possible. Care may he scheduled for either tour or eight consecutive hours between 7 a.m.-7 p.m.. Monday to Friday. Presently, a lamily may hook up to five days; this may change depending on availability. The student caregivers hired for the program arc monitored and trained by qualified staff at the centre. The training will-include.health. safety and programming. and they will provide special activities and crafts for the children in their care. Toys and resources will he brought to the home by the student to provide your child with a full program. SUMMER RURAL IN-IIOME CHILD ('ARE FEES: # OF CIIILDREN 8 IIRS. 4 IIRS. 1 "20.00 "12.00 2 30.00 18.00 3_ 40.00 25.00 4 OR MORE 55.00. 35.00 Please note income tax receipts -will be given! Please contact us at Seaforth Co -.Operative Children's Centre Inc. for further information and reservations at (519) 527-06t32. You will receive a I hk T-SHIRT WITH EVERY PURCHASE OF JEANS ri at regular price at CORDMOI NMENS WEAR 39 Main St. Seaforth _. 527-0596