Tracking source of stink in south London will require 24-7 high-tech surveillance
City council will consider spending $303,990 to participate in a first-of-its-kind monitoring network to detect and predict the periodic rotten odour in neighbourhoods south of Highway 401.
“We will now have a technology that will be sniffing 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” explains Jay Stanford, director of Climate Change, Environment and Solid Waste.
Stanford recommends adding City Hall’s W12A landfill to a new detection network for three years.
Odour sensors and a new weather station would be positioned around the perimeter of the landfill to detect hydrogen sulphide, a foul smelling gas.
“(We’ll be) able to predict and reduce odours at the W12A landfill site,” says Stanford.
The detection network includes participation by the StormFisher Environmental biofuel plant, the Convertus composting facility, and the City of Toronto’s Green Lane landfill.
A decade of failed attempts by City Hall and the province to snuff out the stink, however, has Brockley resident Allan Tipping skeptical of the latest plan.
“I live five kilometres from W12A and I smell it here,” says Tipping.
He believes City Hall is simply trying to satisfy provincial concerns about expanding the landfill.
“They have to prove that they are protecting the environment around (the W12A landfill),” he adds. “This doesn’t really protect it, but it gives (City Hall) technical data to say this wasn’t our smell.”
The city is undertaking an environmental assessment to extend the lifespan of the landfill by 25 years (to 2049) and increase the height by 26 metres.
Stanford asserts the intent of the monitoring network is to build on recent success reducing odour complaints.
“This has been one of our best years ever, the technology we are bringing in will help us better understand why.”
Though he doubts the technology’s effectiveness, Tipping hopes to be nearing the end of a decade of odour-spoiling outdoor activities.
This summer he’s only called in two or three odour complaints to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.
“I’m actually enjoying my summer here. My pool has been open. People are coming over again.”
If approved by council later this summer, the detection system will begin operating in October.
All current odour enforcement and abatement activities in south London will continue in the area.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Flights divert around western Iran as explosions and loud noise reportedly heard near Isfahan
Commercial flights began diverting their routes over western Iran without explanation early Friday as one semiofficial news agency in the Islamic Republic reported 'explosions' heard over the city of Isfahan. State television acknowledged 'loud noise.'
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.