The process to shutdown a former landfill near Bothwell is about to start.
The Ministry of Environment ordered the closure of the Limerick Landfill in 2018 and it must be shutdown by June 8, 2025.
Chatham-Kent’s share to close the Limerick Landfill is estimated at $361,240 and will be funded through reserves, pending Council approval Monday night.
The environmental monitoring of the landfill over the next 25 years could cost up to a $1 million with CK's share being 43 per cent of the bill.
At Monday night's council meeting, councillors will also be asked to approve a reserve to pay for future costs associated with the 6.27 hectare landfill.
Councillors will also be voting to authorize a new cost sharing agreement with the Municipality of Southwest Middlesex and the Village of Newbury.
"Chatham-Kent administration is currently negotiating an updated agreement with Southwest Middlesex and Newbury that nullifies the 1992 Limerick Landfill Agreement and re-establishes the now-amalgamated communities’ responsibilities," wrote Chatham-Kent Manager of Waste Management Huda Oda in her report going to Council. "The agreement updates each municipality’s contribution percentages and clarifies financial contributions to the closure and post-closure expenses."
Bothwell started using the landfill in 1968, but stopped in 1997 after switching to curbside garbage collection.
If the staff recommendations are approved, a committee with representatives from Chatham-Kent, Southwest Middlesex, and Newbury will also be struck to keep abreast of developments and to facilitate future decision-making related to the landfill.