|
space Press Releases, News Stories |
|
Coalition Press Release OTTAWA, Canada, September 2000 -- The volume of hazardous waste imported into Canada increased by 22.7% to 662,893 tonnes in 1999 compared with 540,000 tonnes in 1998. According to Canadian Environment Minister, David Anderson, "the continuing rise in imports of hazardous waste is raising questions of safety and responsibility". Whereas some 58% of hazardous waste imports were sent for recycling in 1998, this had fallen to 41% in 1999. At the same time, the proportion sent for final disposal increased. Imports for disposal in Ontario rose from 174,000 tonnes1998 to 240,000 tonnes in 1999; in Quebec the increase was from 57,000 tonnes to 151,000 tonnes. Imports of contaminated soil for landfill have risen particularly in Quebec. The US accounts for about 98% of all waste imports. Canada says the increase is due to differences in pre-treatment standards for landfilled waste in Canada and the US, differences in environmental liablity, and the lower Canadian dollar. FAIR USE NOTICE. This document contains copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The Basel Action Network is making this article available in our efforts to advance understanding of ecological sustainability and environmental justice issues. We believe that this constitutes a `fair use' of the copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. If you wish to use this copyrighted material for purposes of your own that go beyond `fair use', you must obtain permission from the copyright owner. More News |