Assessing the impact of industrial uses on the environment in York South-Weston - by Councillor Frances Nunziata, seconded by Deputy Mayor Denzil Minnan-Wong

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The decision

2019-06-18 · Toronto City Council · adopted

As filed

City Council on June 18 and 19, 2019, adopted the following: 1. City Council direct the Director, Environment and Energy, and in consultation with the Medical Officer of Health (within mandate and budget), to conduct a Local Air Quality study of Ward 5, York South-Weston and report on the findings to the Board of Health and the Infrastructure and Environment Committee following completion of the study. 2. City Council request the Medical Officer of Health to undertake a review of industrial operations in Ward 5, York South-Weston to determine compliance with the reporting requirements of the City's ChemTRAC program and report the findings to the Board of Health.

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3. City Council request the General Manager, Toronto Water, in consultation with the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, to: a. undertake a comprehensive water quality assessment of Lavender Creek with testing of storm water outfalls into the Creek for suspended solids, biochemical oxygen demand, metals, nutrients and other organic compounds; b. trace back to a point source(s) if the Sewers By-law limits are found to be exceeded; c. take regulatory action if required; and d. report the findings to the Infrastructure and Environment Committee. 4. City Council request the City Manager to form an inter-divisional and intergovernmental working group to develop a coordinated strategy, in consultation with the Councillor, Ward 5, York South-Weston, community stakeholders and business owners to address negative impacts that the employment uses in the Rockcliffe-Smythe area and the asphalt plant, and recovery facility located at 103-111 Ingram Drive are having on the communities within which they are located.

On the agenda

As the city filed it

Local air quality in Ward 5 York South-Weston has been an issue in the community for many years. While the initial focus of these concerns was related to odours from industrial and manufacturing uses, including abattoirs, the community is growing increasingly concerned regarding the effect the emissions from these facilities are having on the environment and the possible risk to their health and well-being. With the responsibility for enforcement related to odour and pollutants falling under the jurisdiction of the Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks, the City of Toronto, through its ChemTRAC program, has recognized the importance of public awareness.

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As through this program, businesses exceeding certain emissions thresholds must report annually to the City, it is prudent that we ensure they are doing so. Employment lands in Ward 5 are located in close proximity to sensitive land uses, including residential homes. While these uses are permitted, it is important that we have a clear understanding of how the emissions from these uses are affecting the local environment, and the possible impacts to public health.

Staff recommended

Councillor Frances Nunziata, seconded by Deputy Mayor Denzil Minnan-Wong, recommends that: 1. City Council direct the Director, Environment and Energy, and in consultation with the Medical Officer of Health (within mandate and budget), to conduct a Local Air Quality study of Ward 5, York South-Weston and report on the findings to the Board of Health and the Infrastructure and Environment Committee following completion of the study.

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2. City Council request the Medical Officer of Health to undertake a review of industrial operations in Ward 5, York South-Weston to determine compliance with the reporting requirements of the City's ChemTRAC program and report the findings to the Board of Health. 3. City Council request the General Manager, Toronto Water, in consultation with the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, to: a. undertake a comprehensive water quality assessment of Lavender Creek with testing of storm water outfalls into the Creek for suspended solids, biochemical oxygen demand, metals, nutrients and other organic compounds; b. trace back to a point source(s) if the Sewers By-law limits are found to be exceeded; c. take regulatory action if required; and d. report the findings to the Infrastructure and Environment Committee. 4. City Council request the City Manager to form an inter-divisional and intergovernmental working group to develop a coordinated strategy, in consultation with the Councillor, Ward 5, York South-Weston, community stakeholders and business owners to address negative impacts that the employment uses in the Rockcliffe-Smythe area and the asphalt plant, and recovery facility located at 103-111 Ingram Drive are having on the communities within which they are located.

On the record

The item as the City filed it

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