Twin Creeks Landfill Optimization Project

Waste Management of Canada Corporation (WM) is looking to expand the landfill at the Twin Creeks Environmental Centre to provide additional landfill airspace of up to 14 million cubic metres of waste capacity which could potentially extend the life of the site by approximately 12 years (from 2031 to 2043).

Learn more on the Twin Creeks Environmental Centre website.

• Twin Creeks Environmental Centre first opened in 1972 as the Warwick Landfill.
• WM purchased and began operating the landfill in 1996.
• WM applied for its first landfill expansion in 2008 which was approved by the Ministry of Environment. There is approximately eight years (10.5M m3) of approved airspace left. 
• In 2021 WM applied for a second expansion known as the Twin Creeks Environmental Centre Optimization Project. The first step in the process was to complete a Terms of Reference. This was completed in March 2022 and approved by the Minister of Environment in December 2022. 

     A copy of the approved Terms of Reference (Amended, March 30, 2022), a summary of the amendments to the proposed Terms of Reference (January 7, 2022) and the Notice of Approval are available at the following links:

     - Terms of Reference Twin Creeks Environmental Centre Landfill Optimization Project Environmental Assessment (Amended, March 30, 2022)

     - Summary of Amendments to Proposed Terms of Reference (January 7, 2022)

     - Terms of Reference – Notice of Approval, December 13, 2022

• The Environmental Assessment stage of the process commenced in April 2023.
• Studies confirming existing conditions were published in November 2023 and were presented at Public Information Session 2 (PIS 2).
• Currently, studies to confirm existing conditions are underway, as well as development of alternative measures for the proposed expansion site.

The entire EA process is determined by the Province of Ontario through the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP).

The first step in this process is the preparation of a Terms of Reference (ToR). 

The ToR sets out the framework and work plan for addressing the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act requirements when preparing the EA.

The second step (Notice of Commencement of EA) was published in April 2023. The EA will be carried out in accordance with the requirements of the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act and the approved ToR and conditions of approval.

The results of the EA will be documented in an EA Study Report, which will be submitted to the MECP for review. At that time the public, Indigenous communities and interested persons will be informed of when and where the EA can be reviewed.

Work on the EA is underway, including:

• Determining existing conditions at the Twin Creeks Environmental Centre
• Development of alternative methods for the landfill expansion
• Determining effects assessments resulting from the proposed landfill optimization
• Preparation for consultation and engagement on work completed by WM in conjunction with the Township of Warwick Peer Review Team

The Township of Warwick has assembled an independent multi-disciplinary expert panel, the Township Peer Review Team (PRT), to review and provide comments during every stage of the environmental assessment study process for the proposed Optimization Project. The PRT includes expertise in 11 areas: landfill engineering; surface and groundwater, air quality/dust/odour/litter; noise; traffic; visual impacts; cultural heritage; natural environment; economic impacts; land use and EA planning; and human health risk. A list of PRT members can be viewed by clicking here.

Below are reports submitted by the Township, and the Peer Review Team relating to the  Proposed WM Landfill Optimization Project EA thus far:

• Township of Warwick ltr Submissions TWEC Landfill Expansion EA
• Township of Warwick PRT Report -ToR -WM Expansion Proposal (5)
• Existing Conditions Peer Review Team Report (February 2024)

Warwick Township Council has been working diligently to ensure this expansion has the least amount of negative impact on the community. Council and experts remain engaged during the process by maintaining regular contact with the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks and our local political leaders to ensure our residents' voices are heard.

Council will continue to engage with residents throughout this process to receive input/feedback. Council encourages anyone with concerns, questions or requests to reach out to any member of Council or municipal staff. This includes accepting written submissions from community members at the municipal office. 

Council's priority is to ensure residents are informed about the optimization process throughout each stage by hosting in-person meetings and community engagement sessions. 

Upcoming Community Engagement Sessions - none at this time.