GFL facing 10 provincial charges over stinky Stoney Creek dump

GFL Environmental has been charged with 10 violations under the Environmental Protection Act related to its stinky dump in Stoney Creek.

Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) spokesperson Gary Wheeler said the charges were laid on April 11, after an investigation by the ministry. The alleged offences happened between August 17, 2021 and November 24, 2023, he said.

"The charges relate to the alleged discharge of a contaminant, namely odour and total reduced sulphur compounds, into the environment causing an adverse effect, and failing to comply with a ministry approval by failing to operate a waste management site as required," Wheeler told CBC Hamilton in an email. 

An appearance at the Ontario Court of Justice related to the case is expected on May 15, he added. If convicted, the company would face fines under the act. 

Starting in 2023, residents around the GFL Stoney Creek Regional Facility have been reporting strong, at times overwhelming, "rotten fish-like," "sulphuric," and "chemical" smells. 

Residents previously told CBC Hamilton the smells have had negative impacts not only on neighbours' ability to enjoy outdoor spaces in the area around the 65 Green Mountain Rd. W. dump, but also on their health, with some reporting headaches and nausea.

The MECP said previously the smell is due to leachate, a chemical stew of potentially toxic liquid, that came up while building a new landfill cell.

Wheeler said the 10 violations are:

"Environmental compliance officers continue to attend the GFL Stoney Creek Regional Facility site and surrounding residential areas regularly in response to odour complaints," Wheeler said. 

"The ministry continues to engage with GFL to ensure that they are taking all possible steps to minimize odour impacts." 

The MECP also issued an "environmental penalty" to GFL on April 28 for three events in August and September of last year where "landfill operations were confirmed as the source of odour impacts in the surrounding community."

The penalty is $5,000 for each event, for a total of $15,000, said Wheeler.

The Stoney Creek facility is also under two provincial officer's orders. 

One to reduce leachate levels and conduct air monitoring and another to "take actions" to lower waste piles currently above the maximum legal heights.