Resolution No. 32-02A 

WHEREAS, regulations prohibit burning in commercial nuisance grounds (clean wood exceptions) and; 

WHEREAS, land for utilization as a landfill site is at a premium, and;

WHEREAS, the financial burden related to sustaining such a site is insurmountable, and; 

WHEREAS, municipalities are actively exploring alternatives such as recycling depots and regional landfill sites;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Provincial Government reinstate controlled burning privileges to local municipalities until suitable alternatives can be developed.

Response From the Hon. Pat Lorje:

The uncontrolled burning of wastes at municipal landfill sites results in costly fire escapes, increased liability to municipalities, creation of toxic fumes including dioxin and furan emissions, safety hazards for users of facilities, potential visibility problems and dangers for nearby roadway users and many complaints from adjacent residents.

Burning of unsorted waste provides only a five to 25 per cent volume reduction over burning wood materials alone (which is already permitted by Saskatchewan Environment on request).

Due to the health and environmental risks created by fumes from burning landfills compared to the limited benefits of open burning, Saskatchewan Environment is not considering amending its regulation prohibiting the burning of mixed wastes at landfills.

Saskatchewan Environment encourages municipalities to undertake practical methods of diverting waste from disposal to prolong the service life of landfills. Practicing reduction, re-use and recycling (the 3 R's) helps to minimize residual waste and enhances landfill life. Many municipalities have implemented such waste reduction programs already.