General Accountability

Newfoundland and Labrador’s approach to the management of mercury missions from any new and/or proposed incineration facility would involve incorporation of CWS into the Certificate of Approval to operate a facility, pursuant to Newfoundland Environment Act. These provisions will apply for municipal waste incineration, medical waste incineration, hazardous waste incineration and sewage waste incineration as defined within the CWS.

Public Role/Transparency

Opportunity for full public consultation/participation, respecting any proposed incineration facility, would be provided as per the requirements under the Environmental Assessment Act and Regulations.

Access to Information

Information respecting facility performance is generally made available to the general public, upon request. Once operational, information on facility emissions/performance may be obtained through direct request to the Department or through the Freedom of Information Act.

Verifiable Progress

Any new facility would generally require an Approval, which would specify stack discharge limit and stack testing frequency to demonstrate compliance with the facility Approval.

Co-benefits

It is generally accepted that if emissions of mercury are effectively controlled, a significant reduction in emissions of particulate matter and dioxins and furans can also be realized from that facility.

Life-cycle issues

These considerations will be addressed on a case-by-case basis. Solid wastes, such as ash and carbon, will be land filled in accordance with environmentally sound management principles or regulatory requirements.