Concerns over air pollution from quarry expansions across Halton, along with the proposed CN intermodal hub in Milton, have prompted Halton regional council to consider improved air quality standards.
Council debated a motion to adopt the World Health Organization’s (WHO) 2021 air quality standard for fine particulate matter, such as PM 2.5 and PM 10, and to cap emissions at 5 micrograms per cubic metre for quarry operations — a measure first endorsed by Burlington council.
The discussion centred on the proposed expansion of Nelson Quarry in Burlington. Critics argue that increased aggregate production, including the planned restart of the Reid Road Reservoir Quarry in Milton, will worsen air pollution and pose greater health risks.
The motion states that Ontario’s air quality regulations currently fall short of the WHO’s latest standards, which impose stricter PM 2.5 limits.
Roger Goulet, director of Protecting Escarpment Rural Land (PERL) and member of CORE Burlington, said that existing air control measures at Nelson are inadequate. He described the volume and spread of fine particulate dust from drilling, blasting and trucking as “unacceptable.”
“These ultra fine particles go deep into the lungs and into the bloodstream. What does that do? Long term exposure to ultra fine dust can result in shortness of breath, asthma, lung and heart disease and lung cancer,” he told council.
When asked by Burlington Councillor Paul Sharman about the potential impact of the CN intermodal project in Milton to air quality, Goulet said that the “thousands of truckloads of goods coming in and out of that facility will generate very significant amounts of primary diesel emissions.”
“Overall, as a community, the amount of PM 2.5 and PM 10 must come down in order for our health to be protected,” Goulet added.
Sharman shared concerns about pollution from Highway 400s and noted that Halton has one of Canada’s highest cancer rates. “We don't really talk about that around this table enough,” he said.
Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward, who introduced the motion with Milton Mayor Gord Krantz, underscored the urgency of the issue, particularly in light of the Ontario Land Tribunal’s hearing on the Nelson Quarry expansion.
Drawing parallels to past opposition against the CN intermodal project, she said that there is no safe level of particulate matter.
“This issue is about public health,” she said. “There is no need for an expansion of this quarry, or any quarry in Ontario right now.”
Council ultimately passed the motion, aligning with Burlington’s position in advocating for stronger air quality protections.