Region surpasses conditions set by MOE on YDSS projects

York Region continues to go above and beyond meeting the 54 conditions placed on the York-Durham Sewage System project by the Ministry of the Environment (MOE).

In October 2004, MOE placed additional conditions on the remaining YDSS projects, including a mandate to submit an annual report to the Ministry indicating the date that each condition was fulfilled and the results of the conditions having been fulfilled.

To date, 35 of these conditions have been met, with the Region exceeding Ministry expectations on 18. The Region reported compliance on the remaining conditions will be achieved as the projects progress to completion.

"The YDSS Annual Report exemplifies York Region's respect for the environment as well as the commitment of our project teams to take the lead in terms of environmental protection," said Regional Chair Bill Fisch. "For the past two years, we have not only met, but exceeded the conditions placed on our YDSS projects and we continue to demonstrate unparalleled environmental stewardship."

YDSS is comprised of sewage pipes, pumping stations, treatment plants and other infrastructure that fully contain the sanitary wastes from serviced communities within York and parts of Durham Region.

As communities within both regions continue to grow in accordance with their official plans and provincial directives, the ongoing protection of the environment and public health depends upon the timely delivery of many of these projects, the region reported.

The 2006 YDSS annual report documents the commitment of Regional council to protect the interests of the public and the environment.

"This annual report showcases the accomplishments on these projects to date, as well as provides a blueprint for our future efforts," said Whitchurch-Stouffville Mayor Wayne Emmerson, chair of the transportation and works committee of Regional council. "York Region will continue to report annually to the Ministry of the Environment until the work is completed and each of the 54 conditions has been satisfied."

Copies of the report and related project information may be viewed through York Region's Web site. For more information on YDSS or to view the 2006 Annual Report online, visit www.york.ca and follow the links on the main page titled, "York Durham Sewage System information."