Groundwork is already underway for Prairieview Terminals to build a bulk liquid hazardous waste facility in the RM of Headingly, but people who live nearby are not letting it happen without a fight.
“We moved here from the city to be in a calm, quiet, safe, clean environment and neighbourhood," said Tracey Nelson, who retired with her husband in Headingley two years ago.
Nelson is worried the facility poses a threat to the pristine community she lives in. "Quite surprising and alarming,” she said of the company’s plans.
A petition is making the rounds in the community, opposing the depot, calling on residents to keep Headingley clean.
The company plans to temporarily store and recycle motor oil, oil filters, fuel, solvents, chemicals and sand. When construction is completed this year, the site will house 18 above ground storage tanks with a combined capacity of 2.16 million litres. The facility will be located in an existing industrial park, just south of Wilkes Avenue near the Perimeter Highway, 1.5 km from the nearest home.
Tracy Nelson says a growing number of homeowners feel this type of operation has no business in the area, in case of a spill.
"Our concern is well, a lot, the environment, people, wildlife, the air…” said Nelson.
A consulting firm hired by Prairieview Terminals says nothing will be permanently stored on site, and precautions are in place in the off chance of a spill.
“There are going to be secondary containment structures around all of the storage tanks, around any of the offload areas,” said Paula Sdao, project manager for True Grit Consulting.
The RM of Headingley granted a conditional use permit in February for the project to move ahead.
"We're not going to approve something if we felt that there was a concern for environmental pollution concerns,” said Deputy Mayor John Mauseth.
The proposal still requires approval from provincial regulators. People have until Monday to comment on it to Manitoba’s Environmental Approvals Branch.
Tracy Nelson wants the application for the liquids depot flushed.
“Nobody wants to see their property values decreased. We retired here; we plan to live here a long time. We just don't want this negative impact," said Nelson.
