Ryley and area residents attend Clean Harbors meeting – officials hear complaints of “big black hill” at their door

The mountain of trash built up directly to the north of the Village of Ryley as shown earlier in the year.

Clean Harbors held an information session last Wednesday in the Village of Ryley that included a free supper for the public and the announcement of thousands in donations to local projects.

The company’s expansion plans require the village’s cooperation. The expansion would take place on property just north of the village, but within its boundaries. The expansion won’t be needed for another five to seven years.

Right now, Clean Harbors operates just to the north of the property on which it wishes to expand. It appears to be taking this time to try and make a positive connection with the community, promising more open houses in the future.

The promised funding comes after two decades in which Clean Harbors has operated its Class 1 landfill, one of only two in the province. However, the promise of being a good corporate citizen to the village by donating back some of its profits hasn’t convinced everyone.

The company has a memorandum of understanding with village council to commit $250,000 to renovate the village’s outdoor skating rink, either this fall or next spring.

By Patricia Harcourt
Editor

For more see the Oct. 16/12 issue of the Tofield Mercury