The Minister of Environment and Climate Change has ruled the Town of Erin’s wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) will not undergo further review on their end.
Jonathan Wilkinson, federal environment minister, released a decision on Wednesday stating Erin’s WWTP does not warrant designation under the Impact Assessment Act.
Lavina Dixit, Town of Erin spokesperson, confirmed this means the WWTP can proceed as it has been.
The Coalition for the West Credit River, a collection of groups opposed to the plant, had requested a federal review to address concerns they have over environmental impacts.
Wilkinson’s statement said a designation is unwarranted because potential adverse effects within federal jurisdiction would be limited through project design and the application of standard mitigation measures.
“The regulatory processes that currently apply to, or have been undertaken for, the project and any related consultations provide a framework to address the potential adverse aforementioned effects, public concerns raised in relation to those effects, and potential impacts to Aboriginal and Treaty rights,” the minister’s statement said.
A statement from the Town of Erin council noted they welcome the response from Wilkinson on the project.
The statement stressed the plant has gone through a rigorous environmental assessment process and will adhere to some of the strictest effluent requirements in North America.
“We would like to reiterate that council is committed to ensuring that we create a prosperous, healthy, environmentally progressive, livable and inviting Town of Erin,” the council statement said.
“The protection of our environment will remain at the forefront of our discussions as this project moves forward and our advocacy with the higher levels of government is focused at making this project a viable and sustainable solution for Erin and our residents who call it home.”
