Smelly Hamilton compost site will be shut down 'promptly,' says mayor

Hamilton is planning to temporarilyshut down a compost plant officials believe is the source of a stench that's "paralyzing" parts of the lower city.

Mayor Fred Eisenbergerissueda statement saying he's been in touch with the city's general manager of public works, Dan McKinnon, who said staff plan to "promptly" shut down theHamilton Central Composting Facility on BurlingtonStreet East.

• Hamilton wants out of environmental regulations around smelly compost facility

"The[odour]is noticeable throughout the lower city and was very prominent at theArkellsconcert last night," explained Eisenberger,who said staff told him the facility will "likely divert incoming compost to landfill until the issues are resolved."

The city-ownedfacility opened in 2006 and is operated byAim Environmental Group. It handles compost generated by Hamilton,HaltonandSimcoeCounty the equivalent of 70,000tonnesper year, from roughly 1,668,000 people.

Councillors seeking 'punitive measures'

The mayor's message was in response to an email by East Hamilton Coun. Sam Merulla,who said he and Ward 3 Coun. Matthew Green were demanding the composting plant be shut down "due to the incompetence associated with the operation of the facility and the [odour]crisis paralyzing the lower city."

Merullaadded he and Green were also seeking "punitive measures" for both the contractor and management at Aim Environmental.

The councillor also called for an in-camera meetingJune 28to discuss the odour issue.