Burning of greenhouse waste concerns neighbours
Plant in Kingsville incinerating plants because of insect infestation
Neighbours are raising concerns over burning at a greenhouse waste recycling plant in Kingsville, but municipal officials say they have little control over the process.
Bernie Ladenthin, who lives a stone’s throw away from the Agriculture Technology Inc. plant on County Road 34, said he doesn’t understand how ATI is allowed to burn when it is a recycling plant and he’s worried about the smell and what health effects the smoke might have.
The longtime resident said he found out late Thursday that local pepper growers have “some sort of insect in their greenhouse crops and they’ve got to take them out and destroy the plants.”
He said “thousands of tons of vines” are involved.
A spokeswoman from the Ministry of Agriculture contacted Friday did not provide any further information on what type of bug is involved or how many greenhouse operations are affected. She did say the ministry did not order the burn.
Both Mayor Nelson Santos and fire Chief Bob Kissner confirmed the insect problem but said they didn’t know the extent of it.
Santos also said burning is allowed.
“It’s a permitted use for the agricultural area to deal with their waste, so long as it’s controlled and it follows the bylaw,” he said.
Kissner attended the ATI site to examine the incinerator that is being used. He described it as a large metal box similar to a commercial garbage bin in size that is fuelled by a wood fire at the bottom.
The incinerator has motors to blow air through so the fire burns very hot and the smoke goes straight up. He said a burn plan was provided by the company. It sets out the hours of operation and ensures constant monitoring and availability of water in case there’s a need to extinguish the fire. He added that ATI was being proactive by consulting with the municipality first.
“Because it’s zoned agricultural, they are exempt from the Ontario Fire Code,” Kissner said. “An agriculturally zoned property is allowed to burn organic materials like this provided that it’s not endangering neighbouring properties.”
ATI has had an uneasy relationship with its neighbours who have complained about odour and rodents.
“We’re not trying to shut down a business, but be responsible,” Ladenthin said. “This has been an issue for years and years with the stench of this place and now all of a sudden they’re going to be allowed to burn these vines for who knows how long.”
Kissner said he didn’t know how widespread the bug infestation is but the burning will continue until the problem is eradicated.
ATI general manager Matthew Posthumus refused to comment when contacted Friday.