Case Study 2: Importance of community relations
A rendering plant has been operating for decades in a former industrial area and it is now surrounded by residential land uses. The closest residential unit is 80 meters from the plant; therefore, within the MSD of the plant. The plant operates 24 hours per day, 7 days per week and previously the ministry received hundreds of complaints about odours from the plant per year. The plant operated under an ECA and is in compliance with all zoning and municipal by-laws. The local public health department determined that the plant’s emissions are not toxic and do not pose a heath risk to the community.
Over the years the company has made significant investments trying to mitigate the odours. The ministry monitors the odour issues and regularly visits the plant in response to complaints from local residents. The ministry asked the company to submit an odour abatement plan for approval. The company’s plan included mitigation measures such as:
• Increasing the height of the stacks on the roof to disperse the emissions;
• Maintaining equipment;
• Completing a ventilation assessment; and
• Changing the method it uses to dispose of wastewater.
The company also installed new odour reduction technology.
Throughout the odour reduction process, which took two years to complete, the company has maintained good community relations by attending public meetings held pursuant to various processes, such as Planning Act approvals for the surrounding residential developments when they were proposed. The company also communicated regularly with local politicians, area residents and ministry staff. Even today, the company frequently informs all parties on its progress to install and fine tune the new odour reduction technology, including reporting on any anticipated delays or issues. As such, they still communicate regularly, and mitigation measures are expected to be maintained over time.
By maintaining good community relations, area residents responded well and provided the company with the opportunity to explain their operations and actions taken to reduce odours and address complaints (which have dropped considerably over time). Although considerable expenses were incurred, these would have been greater if the company had not made efforts in maintaining good community relations. The company’s community relations program helped de-escalate the situation and allowed the company time to address the complaints. Conflicts between sensitive land uses and major facilities can often be avoided through open communication and with the use of best management practices.