Farrell joins regional waste committee

Rick Farrell is one of the new members appointed to the Western Regional Waste Management Committee.

The Port aux Basques Town Councillor is one of eight people joining the regional board.

Other individuals appointed late last month by Dianne Whalen, Minister of Municipal Affairs, include Walter Nicolle, Town of Rocky Harbour; Joan Parsons, Town of Hampden; Shelia Mercer, Town of Deer Lake; Newton Pritchett, Town of Gilliams; John Parsons, Town of Lark Harbour; and Linda Chaisson and Donna Luther, City of Corner Brook.

New members were also appointed to the eastern waste management board.

The western board now has a full compliment of 12 members. Currently serving members include Gilbert Smart, committee chair; Tony Blanchard, Humber Economic Development Board; Eileen Hann, Town of Port au Port; Geraldine Porter, Local Service District of Bay St. George South; and Cynthia Downey, Town of Stephenville Crossing.

"The committees' work to advance the modernization of solid waste management for the Eastern and Western regions supports our government's commitment to environmentally responsible, secure waste disposal services for our province," said Minister Whalen.

"I am confident that those newly appointed will join current members and help make decisions in the best interests of the regions. As councillors, these individuals are representatives of their municipalities and will bring a range of information and interests to the table, and will positively impact decision-making to support the protection of our environment and that best meet the needs of communities."

The $200 million Provincial Solid Waste Management Strategy will introduce three full-service regional waste management facilities on the Avalon, Central and Western areas of the island portion of the province, and programs for the zones in Labrador to meet provincial waste management goals.

The provincial strategy will aim to reduce the number of waste disposal sites by 80 per cent, and the amount of waste going into landfills by 50 per cent, supported by the development of new waste diversion programs. It is expected that full implementation of the strategy will occur by 2020.