LANDFILL BURNING RESULTS IN FINE

Released on June 4, 2001

Illegal burning at a landfill has resulted in a fine for a Saskatchewan

town.



On May 15, 2001 the town of Eston was fined $1,900 after entering a guilty

plea to charges of illegally burning garbage and failing to ensure the

disposal site was properly supervised and locked.



Joe Muldoon, Director of Environmental Protection for Saskatchewan

Environment and Resource Management (SERM) believes the fines will help

deter burning at other landfills. "This is the first test of the

province's legislation related to landfills. I am very pleased the court

has chosen to support the legislation - it sends a strong message to those

who still consider it acceptable to burn."



Although SERM may approve a request to burn clean wood, lumber and trees,

provincial regulations prohibit the burning of mixed wastes at disposal

grounds. Fires in landfills pose a safety hazard for people using the

landfill, and may lead to complaints from nearby residents, costly fire

escapes, and increased liability for municipalities. But the major concern

is that landfill fires often release chemicals and toxic smoke from the

materials being burned. These chemicals may represent a much greater

danger to public health and the environment than common household waste.



Landfill fires usually burn at a low temperature, which is also often

associated with the increased emission of particulates, carbon monoxide,

sulphur oxide and hydrocarbons. These products contribute to global

warming and may cause adverse health effects.



"As you can see this is a much larger issue than simply finding the

cheapest way to reduce the amount of waste in a landfill," Muldoon said.

"Burning landfills have the potential to harm both the environment and

people."



Anyone who is aware of, or suspects environmental or resource abuses can

call the nearest SERM office or the 24-hour toll-free TIP line at 1-800-667-

7561



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For more information, please contact:



Joe Muldoon

Environmental Protection Services

Environment & Resource Management

Regina

Phone: (306) 787-6193