Spring 2016
A NEWSLETTER FROM THE DURHAM REGION WORKS DEPARTMENT
What’s inside 2
` Water treatment sales ` Water meter upgrades ` Water theft
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` DYEC update
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` Curbside waste collection ` Battery collection program
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` Coffee pods ` Pressurized cylinders
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` Works Department Budget
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` New strategic plan ` Victoria St. project
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` TMP update ` Bus-only lanes ` Eyes on the road
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` MHSW at home
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` Protect drinking water ` Source of water leaks ` Celebrating 20 years
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` Contact us
National Public Works Week Open House
Saturday, May 14
FREE family fun!
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Oshawa/Whitby Depot
Durham York Energy Centre
Join us at the Oshawa/Whitby Depot where you can explore our truck and equipment display, play games, and visit a face painter.
Visit our newest waste management facility and learn about the energy-from-waste process. There will also be a truck and equipment display and a face painter.
825 Conlin Rd., Whitby
1835 Energy Dr., Courtice
For more information visit: www.durham.ca/npww
Landfill mining in Blackstock The Works Department is finalizing an exciting plan to mine the Blackstock landfill, located in the Township of Scugog. Landfill mining, also called landfill reclamation, involves excavating, screening and removing landfill contents, including recovering material for recycling.
Existing weighscale looking south towards the landfill.
As the waste is excavated, bulky materials (e.g. scrap metal and concrete) are set aside for recycling. The remaining material is fed into a mobile screening plant that separates the waste from the soil. The separated waste will be transported to the Durham York Energy Centre for energy recovery, and the separated soil will be used to re-grade the site back to its original levels. (Continued on page 3.)
Durham Works Be wary of aggressive water treatment sales tactics The Works Department has heard many reports of door-to-door salespersons canvassing Durham homes selling water treatment and metering equipment that is not endorsed by the Region. These salespersons often ask to test the residents’ water or see their water meter. The Region of Durham does not sell nor endorse water filters or treatment equipment for residents. The Region provides clean, safe drinking water, which meets provincial water quality standards. Our water undergoes extensive monitoring and testing and does not require further filtration or monitoring. The quality and safety of the Region’s water is confirmed at an accredited laboratory, which is licensed by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change–a requirement of the Ontario Drinking Water Regulations set by the province of Ontario. Learn more about Durham’s municipal water quality testing at www.durham.ca/water.
Water theft costs us all!
If someone shows up at your door, remember the following to protect yourself: Ask for identification. All Regional employees and authorized contractors carry photo ID. Did you request this house call? Regional staff will not visit without sending an official letter and scheduling an appointment. Call the visiting organization, or the Region at 905-668-7711 or 1-800-372-1102, ext. 3488, to confirm that the visit is legitimate. Don’t feel pressured to sign contracts on the spot, or to let anyone into your home. Never give out your personal information.
Water meter upgrades
The Region of Durham has established a Residential Meter Replacement/Upgrade program with its contractor, Neptune Technology Group, to replace or upgrade water meters in homes at no extra charge to residents. Before contractors show up, residents will receive an official letter from the Region of Durham notifying them of the upcoming water meter replacement. Residents will also receive a letter from Neptune Technology Group advising you of how to book your appointment. The letter requests that residents set up an appointment with the contractor. Neptune installers will arrive on the arranged date; they are uniformed, carry ID, and are highly skilled to ensure a professional installation. 2
Every year, thousands of litres of water are illegally taken from fire hydrants around Durham Region. Water theft is a threat to local water quality and increases water system costs. The Region has a Hydrant Permitting program and a Water By-law, which detail how companies can obtain a permit to legally take a specified amount of water during the spring, summer and fall. Through the permitting program, only licenced water haulers should be filling up at hydrants. To report suspected water theft, call 905-668-7711 or 1-800-372-1102 ext. 3488 with details about the location, company name and/or licence plate. For more information, visit www.durham.ca/watertheft.
Durham Works Durham York Energy Centre now fully operational The Regional Municipalities of Durham and York are pleased to report the Durham York Energy Centre (DYEC) has entered full commercial operations. The regions issued the Acceptance Test Certificate to the facility’s operator, Covanta, in January. Acceptance Test reports are posted on the DYEC project website for review at www.durhamyorkwaste.ca (under: Documents and Publications > Facility Acceptance Testing). The Annual Report, a comprehensive overview of the facility and answers to frequently asked questions, are also available online. The DYEC can process up to 140,000 tonnes of household waste each year, with 110,000 tonnes allocated to the Region of Durham and 30,000 tonnes allocated to York Region. Durham Region’s portion of project funding is through the federal Gas Tax Fund.
For more information on the Durham York Energy Centre, visit www.durhamyorkwaste.ca, call 1-800-667-5671, or email
[email protected].
Landfill mining in Blackstock (Continued from page 1.)
The Blackstock landfill volume is estimated to be about 30,000 cubic metres. It will take up to four months to excavate and screen that amount of waste. The Region is using landfill mining to remediate this site because of its positive environmental impacts. In addition to recycling mined materials, removing buried waste from the ground significantly reduces groundwater contamination. As the site returns to its natural state, it is anticipated that the current longterm annual groundwater monitoring program will no longer be required.
Durham’s Water Quality Reports
This project will serve as a pilot for future possible remediation plans at the Region’s other landfill sites.
Visit www.durham.ca, or request a copy by email at
[email protected], or call 905-668-7711 ext. 3488. 3
Durham Works Don’t let windy weather litter your neighbourhood On windy days, the Region receives many calls from residents regarding litter blowing around in their neighbourhood. Follow these tips to help keep waste at the curb, rather than becoming neighbourhood litter: Place recyclables at the curb by 7 a.m. on the morning of collection day, not the night before. Stack your blue boxes at the curb, with papers held securely underneath the container box. Don’t overfill blue boxes. You can purchase additional blue boxes at the Waste Management Centre and local municipal offices. Place papers and cardboard vertically (upright) in your blue box, instead of horizontally (flat). This will reduce the chances of the wind picking them up. Tie garbage bags tightly. Write your address on collection containers with a permanent marker, so it is easy for them to be returned if they blow away. For more set-out tips and other waste management information, visit www.durham.ca/waste.
Thank you for your continued commitment to the curbside battery collection program Congratulations, Durham residents! Since implementing the program in the fall of 2012, Durham Region has collected more than 100 metric tonnes of batteries through its award-winning curbside battery collection program.
The next residential curbside collection will take place during the week of Nov. 7. The program aims to keep mercury, cadmium, and other heavy metals from entering the environment. Collected batteries are processed by Raw Materials Company Inc. in Port Colbourne, Ont., where steel, zinc, potassium and manganese are recovered.
To date, more than 112 metric tonnes (112,000 kilograms) of spent household batteries have been diverted from the waste stream and recycled responsibly.
For more information related to collection schedules, labeling, safe storage, acceptable battery types and frequently asked questions, visit durham.ca/battery, check your waste collection calendar or download the Durham Region Waste App.
Collections are scheduled twice annually, once in the spring to coincide with Earth Day celebrations and once in the fall to coincide with daylight savings time changes and the promotion of changing batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
#DurhamBattery 4
Durham Works Coffee pods: what convenience means to waste The coffee pod has become a popular option for many coffee drinkers. This quick method of brewing your morning cup of joe may be convenient, but those small pods add up quickly in the waste stream. Coffee pods cannot be recycled or composted, they must be disposed of in the garbage. Remember, the small choices you make every day can make significant impacts on the environment today and in the future. Recycling, composting and reusing are great ways to make a difference—but reducing the amount of waste you create altogether is the best way to make an impact.
What you can do: Brew coffee using a traditional coffee maker, coffee grounds and a paper or reusable filter. If you don’t need to brew a whole pot, consider investing in a one-cup coffee maker, a percolator or a French press. You can still brew one cup of coffee in a short amount of time, at less cost, while creating less waste. Some coffee pod machines are compatible with reusable pods that you can fill with your own coffee grounds. For not much more than the cost of each coffee pod, buy your coffee at a local café and bring your travel mug—benefitting both the environment and the local economy.
How to dispose of pressurized cylinders Pressurized cylinders come in many shapes and sizes, such as: helium tanks, camping stove canisters and barbecue propane tanks. These cylinders hold compressed gas and present two serious disposal hazards. Pressurized cylinders have explosive potential, and gases in cylinders may be poisonous, flammable or explosive as well. Pressurized cylinders are Municipal Hazardous or Special Waste (MHSW) and are not accepted in any of the Region’s curbside collection programs. Please do not put them in your blue box. Unwanted pressurized cylinders should be dropped off at a Waste Management Facility for safe disposal, free of charge. Find one near you at www.durham.ca/wmf. Residents can also use Stewardship Ontario’s Orange Drop website (www.makethedrop.ca) to find local locations to drop off Municipal Hazardous or Special Waste materials (such as pressurized cylinders).
Never forget your garbage day again! Download our new mobile app by searching “Durham Region Waste” in the app store. Use your mobile phone to view schedules, receive reminders and get sorting tips for blue box, green bin and garbage. For Android and iPhone smart phones.
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2016 Works Dep
Roads
Sanitary Sewerage
$32.2 million will fund road related maintenance and operations, including: $14.1 million for winter road maintenance, roadside maintenance and the maintenance of storm sewers. $6.1 million for the operation and maintenance of traffic signals and traffic control systems. $12 million for engineering, depot operations and staff support.
Some of the larger projects included in the total capital expenditures of $162.3 million are: $43.6 million for Duffin Creek Water Pollution Control Plant upgrades (100% York Region funded). $40 million for West Whitby trunk sanitary sewer, pumping station and forcemain (100% developer funded). $30.9 million for trunk sanitary sewer construction in Newcastle, Courtice, Oshawa and Scugog. $13.5 million in plant and pumping station upgrades ($4.2 million funded by York Region). $6.8 million for sanitary sewer replacements/rehabilitation, including work to be conducted in conjunction with the Regional and municipal road reconstruction programs.
The $77.3 million (gross) in planned roads capital expenditures will finance road rehabilitation, reconstruction and expansion, and bridge rehabilitation and construction projects.
$224.2 million
$61.9 million will fund sanitary sewerage system operations, including the operation, maintenance and repair of sewage pumping stations, water pollution control plants and sanitary sewers.
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The Works Department provides many municipal services to day! This includes providing clean drinking water, collecting Regional roads and facilities, and collection and disposing o the annual operating and capital budgets, approved by Regi
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2016 Business Plans and Budgets are available on the Reg
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partment Budget
Water Supply
Waste
$61.4 million will fund water supply system operations, including water supply plants, water storage facilities and water pumping stations. These funds also provide the maintenance of water meters, fire hydrants and watermains.
$41.3 million will fund waste management services, including: $15.8 million for the collection, processing and marketing of recyclable materials including blue box, green bin and other diversion programs. $14 million for the collection and disposal of garbage, including operating costs for the new Durham York Energy Centre. $11.5 million to manage, promote and administer waste services throughout the Region.
Capital expenditures of $49.4 million include: $14.5 million for the replacement of polybutylene water service connections. $9.8 million for watermain replacements/rehabilitation including work to be conducted in conjunction with the Regional and municipal road reconstruction programs. $9.3 million for new feedermains in Oshawa, Ajax, Clarington and Scugog. $2.7 million for improvements at the Bowmanville Water Supply Plant.
The $3.1 million waste capital program provides for replacement equipment, a new Municipal Hazardous and Special Waste Facility in the Municipality of Clarington, and the development of an organics plan.
$110.8 million
o residents and businesses in Durham every and treating sewage, building and maintaining of household waste. These services are funded by ional Council.
$44.4 million
gion of Durham’s website www.durham.ca.
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Durham Works A new strategic plan for the Region of Durham The new Durham Region Strategic Plan for 2015 to 2019 has been finalized and will act as a guiding document that will help to identify priorities for Regional Council, and create a framework for the Region’s service planning and delivery. The plan will act as a roadmap for the next five years— establishing the long-term vision for communities in Durham Region, and outlining the Region’s important role in meeting the needs and expectations of Durham’s residents. The strategic plan outlines the mission and vision for achieving the new goals, developed to respond to the region’s continuously evolving needs. The goals are interrelated and based on the four overarching themes of:
Economic Growth, Diversification and Local Employment. Population Health and Quality of Life. Healthy Environment and Sustainable Communities. Organizational Health and Service Excellence.
For more information, and to view the Durham Region Strategic Plan for 2015 to 2019, please visit www.durham.ca/stratplan.
Victoria Street widening and reconstruction underway Construction has begun on a Regional project to reconstruct and widen Victoria Street, from Halls Road to Seaboard Gate, in the Town of Whitby. The project includes: widening Victoria Street from two to four lanes. replacement of the bridge over Lynde Creek. culvert replacements, including a new bridge over the West Lynde Creek tributary. a multi-use path, which will function as part of the Waterfront Trail through this area, as well as a marsh look-out point. The work comes after extensive environmental studies and planning, as Victoria Street travels through a portion of the Lynde Creek Marsh. This wetland is designated as a Provincially Significant Wetland and is part of the Lynde Shores Conservation Area. As a result, the project includes several environmental features to enhance the interaction of the road and natural environment.
Posts installed for future wildlife barrier fencing.
Environmental features include: passages and barriers to direct wildlife underneath and away from Victoria Street. excavation of a pond on the north side of Victoria Street to replace fish and Eastern Pond Mussel (a native Ontario species at risk) habitat. other habitat improvements for fish, animals and birds, including a turtle nesting area. a new wetland in Lynde Shores Conservation Area. extensive measures to rescue and exclude wildlife and fish from construction areas, along with providing siltation control. The Region of Durham’s partnership with the Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and the Town of Whitby has made this unique project possible.
New turtle nesting area.
Durham Works Transportation Master Plan update
The Durham Transportation Master Plan (TMP) Update is nearing its final phase of development. The TMP has identified a network of road, transit and active transportation improvements that will serve the needs of the Region to 2031 and beyond. The TMP recommends investments in Regional road improvements to accommodate population and employment growth and facilitate efficient freight movement across the Region. Planning for bus rapid transit on key corridors is another important component of the plan. Rapid transit corridors will work in combination with a grid network of high-frequency transit routes and rural transit spines to make transit an attractive travel choice for more people. The TMP also includes a strategy to accelerate cycling projects that will help to improve connectivity between communities and make cycling more attractive for commuter and recreational travel in Durham. Keep up to date on the project, including public consultation sessions, at www.durham.ca/tmp.
TMP by the numbers: 10.1 million – Number of kilometres driven on roads and highways in Durham on a typical weekday. That’s about 50 km per household per day. Reducing this number over time will help residents save money and make travel more sustainable. 36,000 – Number of trips made on Durham Region Transit in a typical weekday. This number will more than triple by 2031 with planned improvements. 218 km – Length of facilities that will form the Primary Cycling Network on Regional roads. This is in addition to some 260 km of routes planned by area municipalities.
How to use bus-only reserved lanes
Eyes on the road! Did you know the Region offers several online tools to keep residents up-to-date about construction and traffic on Regional roads? Make planning your commute a little easier by visiting the following websites:
www.durham.ca/CDEAP
Have you seen the new lanes on Highway 2 in Ajax and Pickering? They’re designed to help Durham Region Transit and GO Transit buses get through traffic congestion faster and stay on schedule. The use of the bus-only lanes by motorists is prohibited at all times and subject to charges under the Highway Traffic Act. Vehicles can only enter bus-only lanes to access driveways or turn at intersections by safely merging through the lane where white line markings are dashed. For more information, including instructional videos about how to use the new reserved lanes, please visit www.durham.ca/reservedlanes. 9
The Construction, Design and Environmental Assessment Projects (CDEAP) tool allows you to quickly access information on the Region of Durham Works Department’s current projects. You can search by road name or view all projects on an interactive map.
www.durham.ca/trafficwatch View live traffic conditions, including camera snapshots of many intersections in Durham, which are updated every five minutes. Traffic Watch also lists all planned (e.g. construction) and unplanned (e.g. watermain break or major accident) lane/road closures and traffic disruptions for special events on the Regional road network.
Durham Works Municipal Hazardous or Special Waste at home
Municipal Hazardous or Special Waste (MHSW) includes everyday household products that are corrosive, poisonous, toxic or flammable. These types of materials can cause environmental damage if not disposed of properly. Large quantities of unused or unwanted MHSW should not be put in the garbage or poured down the drain. MHSW should be brought to a Regional Waste Management Facility to be disposed of in an environmentally responsible way.
Bathroom
Did you know...
• Hair dye • Aerosol containers, such as hair spray • Nail polish and remover • Perfume and cologne • Toilet bowl cleaners
Loads containing MHSW only are exempt from disposal fees at Regional Waste Management Facilities. Learn more at www.durham.ca/wmf
Living room
Kitchen
• Batteries (single-use and rechargeable) • Light bulbs (fluorescent and CFL) • Thermostats, thermometers or any switches containing mercury
• Household cleaners • Cooking oil • Fire extinguishers
Garage
• Antifreeze • De-greasers • Paint, primers, stain, shellac, urethanes, epoxies • Paint thinner and turpentine • Camping fuel • Gasoline and fuels • Cigarette lighters • Driveway sealer • Oil, oil filters and automotive fluid containers up to 25 litres
Yard Laundry room • Bleach • Detergents
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• Fertilizers and their empty containers • Pesticides, insecticides and herbicides • Pool and spa chemicals • Propane tanks and cylinders • Deck cleaners
Ways to protect drinking water 1. Do not pour hazardous liquids or medications down the drain or toilet. 2. Store paint and chemicals according to manufacturer recommendations. 3. Check your home heating fuel tanks for leaks and install a drip tray. 4. Have your septic system inspected and pumped out regularly. 5. Do not over fertilize lawns and gardens.
To get your free dye test strips, call the Region of Durham’s Technical Support Division at 905-668-7711 (toll-free 1-800-372-1102) ext. 3488.
The Region’s Water Efficiency Program, known as Water Efficient Durham, was launched in 1996 with a mandate to encourage efficient use of water among municipal water users. The program turns 20 years old this year! Water Efficient Durham’s enduring success is because of water customers like you! In 1996, the average Durham household used 325 cubic metres of water annually. Today, the average is 230 cubic metres per home per year. That represents a 29 per cent reduction in water use!
20 YEARS! te
Household water leaks are a serious issue. Studies across North America have found that over 10 per cent of the water that arrives in your home is lost to leaks. Toilets are usually the culprit! Test your fixtures using the free test strips. Make sure your toilet isn’t wasting water down the drain.
Celebrating 20 years of water efficiency!
Wa
As you read this, water may be leaking in your toilet. Leaking toilets waste water silently. The Region of Durham can send you dye test strips to place in your toilet tank to test for leaks. Once you put a dye strip in the tank, wait a few minutes. If the dye appears in the toilet bowl, you have a leak that needs fixing. The test strips also provide toilet repair tips.
#sourcewaterON
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What’s the biggest source of water leaks in your home?
www.durham.ca/swp
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Durham Works
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The Region acknowledges that a large part of this success is thanks to residents introducing water efficient appliances and fixtures in their homes (such as shower heads, washing machines and toilets). Becoming more water efficient benefits everyone! First, you, the customer, will lower your water bill. Second, costly water supply plant expansions and infrastructure upgrades can be delayed. Finally, efficient water use will help preserve the environment for future generations. To learn more about Water Efficient Durham, visit www.durham.ca/waterefficiency. 11
Contact us Durham’s waste management facilities
The Region operates three provincially licensed, user-pay, waste management facilities. They are open throughout the year, Tuesday through Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. See the location maps below for the site nearest you. The following materials are accepted for disposal, recycling, composting or reuse: • appliances and furniture • household hazardous waste • electronics • white agricultural bale wrap • car and household batteries • blue box recyclables • propane barbecue tanks • leaf, grass, brush and yard • drywall and wood waste • household metal • oversized cardboard boxes • tires (max. five tires per day) • garbage • waste oil and oil filters Waste disposal fees are $120 per tonne, with a minimum charge of $5 per visit, payable by cash, VISA, MasterCard or debit card. Dedicated loads of household hazardous waste and/or white agricultural bale wrap, and/or tires, and/ or waste electronic and electrical equipment are exempt from fees if delivered separately from regular garbage. Waste disposal fees will increase on July 1, 2016. For more information, visit www.durham.ca/wmf
Durham Region Works Administration Office 605 Rossland Rd. E., P.O. Box 623, Whitby, ON L1N 6A3 905-668-7711 or 1-800-372-1102 www.durham.ca/works
[email protected]
Durham Region Waste Management Centre For information on waste management, including purchases of blue boxes, green bins and composters: 4600 Garrard Rd., Whitby, ON L1R 3K8 905-579-5264 or 1-800-667-5671
[email protected]
Durham Region Maintenance Depots • •
Ditch drainage, pot holes, snow clearing on Regional Roads Sewer back-ups and plugged sewer lines
• • • •
Watermain breaks Water meters (installation and servicing) Water locates Fire hydrants
Ajax/Pickering Depot - 905-683-1471 (Serving residents of Pickering and Ajax) Oshawa/Whitby Depot - 905-655-3344 (Serving residents of Oshawa and Whitby) Orono Depot - 905-983-5116 (Serving residents of Clarington and eastern Scugog) Sunderland Depot - 705-357-3140 (Serving residents of Brock and northern Uxbridge) Scugog Depot - 905-985-7170 (Serving residents of western and central Scugog, and southern Uxbridge)
Durham Region Traffic Operations To report • Traffic control signals • Guardrails damaged or • Traffic signs on • Pavement Regional Roads markings malfunctioning: 905-666-8116 or 1-866-786-8116
[email protected]
After hours emergencies (Regional Roads, water and sewer)
905-576-9991 or 1-800-372-1104 Stay up to date on Regional news and programs!
www.facebook.com/ regionofdurham
www.twitter.com/ regionofdurham
www.youtube.com/ regionofdurham
If this newsletter is required in an accessible format, please contact 1-800-372-1102 ext. 2834.
