Orillia’s current and former landfills were in the spotlight Wednesday on the final day of Research and Innovation Week at Lakehead University.
Undergraduate students taking environmental chemistry and environmental sustainability classes showed off their research during a poster display presentation, which, for many, required a trip to the dump.
Darren Johnston researched shoreline erosion and methane levels near Kitchener Park, which is the site of the city’s former landfill. The current landfill is right next door.
The erosion could lead to water entering the landfill, said Johnston, who suggested a rock structure or vented wall could reduce the risk.
His research showed methane is not at crisis levels, but he believes the city would be wise to get ahead of any potential problems that could arise.
“Just because (methane) is in the ground at that level doesn't mean it will stay in the ground at that level,” he said.
Johnston has read up on the city's controversial decision to build a recreation centre on a brownfield on West Street South. There was plenty of opposition to that site, he said, even though the city has taken steps to mitigate contaminants. Meanwhile, methane at the landfill “is an alarming issue,” he said, “so why am I not seeing protests here?”
“It’s just so odd to have a dump that’s so old producing this much methane.”
He noted the city is working on a plan to contain and vent the methane.
Camille Chouinard also set her sights on the former dump, but her focus was on leachate.
The leachate underground is affecting aquifers, but not ones that have any effect on drinking water. However, like Johnston, Chouinard said now is the time to act to prevent a bigger and more expensive mess in the future.
“The concern is (the aquifers) will be too far gone to clean them and it might pose a danger to the ecosystem,” she said.
Sarah Khan’s presentation was all about transparency as she made a case for mandatory clear garbage bags in the city.
Clear bags could reduce the amount of trash produced, but could also require residents to be more mindful about recycling and sorting, she said. The biggest argument against clear garbage bags is that it’s a matter of privacy, said Khan, who doesn’t buy it.
“I don’t know why you need privacy when it comes to garbage,” she said. “And it’s working in other provinces like Nova Scotia and PEI.”
The students relished the opportunity to share their work during an event that was open to the public.
“I’m definitely increasing awareness about this garbage dump, and I’m happy about that,” Johnston said.
“It’s a cool way to present a project, to have everyone come together and see it,” added Chouinard.
