Committee picks site for controversial incinerator

Councillors from York and Durham regions have voted to pick a site and back a report calling for a controversial incinerator to be built in Clarington.

The councillors are members of the Joint Waste Management Group, composed of members from both regions.

But the decision has angered opponents who argue that burning garbage is neither environmentally sound nor economically viable.

The $150-million incinerator has been a contentious subject since it was proposed as a solution to the garbage problems of the municipalities, which lie about an hour east of Toronto.

Pushed by the looming end to their contract to ship garbage to Michigan, which runs out in 2010, the two regions turned down the idea of new landfill sites, saying it was something the public didn't want. Instead, they decided to look into pooling their resources to build an energy-from-waste incinerator to get rid of their trash.

Five sites were proposed for the incinerator, including a spot in Durham Region, just west of the Darlington nuclear plant and just south of Highway 401.

On Tuesday, the joint committee unanimously endorsed the site in Clarington as the best for the proposed incinerator.

The plan still faces many hurdles before construction can begin.

Opponents to the incinerator claim it will lead to increased health problems by diminishing air quality. Those claims are expected to be repeated at public meetings in Whitby on Wednesday and Thursday.

The plan must be approved by both regional councils in votes scheduled to take place later this month. After that, a builder will be chosen.

A detailed health-risk assessment is also expected in about one year.

Finally, any plan to burn garbage must get the approval of the Ontario government.