Smelly Hamilton compost site will be shut down 'promptly,' says mayor

Hamilton is planning to temporarily shut down a compost plant officials believe is the source of a stench that's "paralyzing" parts of the lower city.

Mayor Fred Eisenberger issued a statement saying he's been in touch with the city's general manager of public works, Dan McKinnon, who said staff plan to "promptly" shut down the Hamilton Central Composting Facility on Burlington Street East.

• Hamilton wants out of environmental regulations around smelly compost facility

"The [odour] is noticeable throughout the lower city and was very prominent at the Arkells concert last night," explained Eisenberger, who said staff told him the facility will "likely divert incoming compost to landfill until the issues are resolved."

The city-owned facility opened in 2006 and is operated by Aim Environmental Group. It handles compost generated by Hamilton, Halton and Simcoe County — the equivalent of 70,000 tonnes per year, from roughly 1,668,000 people.

Councillors seeking 'punitive measures'

The mayor's message was in response to an email by East Hamilton Coun. Sam Merulla, who said he and Ward 3 Coun. Matthew Green were demanding the composting plant be shut down "due to the incompetence associated with the operation of the facility and the [odour] crisis paralyzing the lower city."

Merulla added he and Green were also seeking "punitive measures" for both the contractor and management at Aim Environmental.

The councillor also called for an in-camera meeting June 28 to discuss the odour issue.