Thursday was a full day of 'what to do with'. We explored the options for storage and disposal/recycling across most of the hazardous waste categories.
A few of the landfill operators have worked on crews that cleaned up mine sites within their local areas. This experience exposes them to good hazardous waste management practices and different types of technology. The Resolute Bay mine clean up project used a high efficiency incinerator that was used to burn hazardous wastes. The group had many questions about how something like this might work. While we had answers around how it could be possible, we definitely couldn't tell them how effective the incinerator was, or the likelihood of a solution like that gaining approval for more general use.
Another individual saw waste oil being burned in an open pit at a mine site. The company had been contracted to do it and they used compressors to feed oxygen to the fire. Again, we couldn't give them any indication that these solutions would be effective or acceptable from a regulatory perspective.
Their biggest question and concern is in regard to shipment of these wastes to an acceptable disposal or recycling site. They refer to the task of finding receivers to be akin to finding a needle in a haystack.
All municipalities have a requirement for a clear emergency plan. In the represented northern communities these plans seem to include risk potentials at the landfill. Everyone in the class could indicate who they would call in the event of an emergency, and how they would proceed in a fire or major spill situation. Many had actively worked with their local conservation officers to resolve community issues already.
Federal Coast Guards seem to keep spill clean up caches in most northern seaside communities. These caches are accessible by local RCMP and all course participants knew they could use this equipment in the event that they faced a major clean up.
The only question that wasn't easily resolved in this area was recordkeeping around the volume of chemical types stored on the site. While many communities had a rough idea, this information was rarely written down.
The weather has slowed down our socializing. The cold wind cuts through everything and exposed skin is painful. The wind was at our backs as we were walking back from a local restaurant last night and I was sure my calf muscles were seizing in response to the cold. I have a new appreciation for warm weather gear. My sorels are the best investment ever.
Jim and Dwayne took Arnie up on a tour about town. Their tour extended a little further than anticipated... Jim bumped his head on the door jamb getting into the truck, opening up a gash. The bleeding was bad enough that they headed to the local health centre where he was stitched up. Jim was well taken care of and the tour and evening proceeded normally. The guys headed down to the Hudson's Bay and Dwayne was excited that he stood on the Bay. I was sorry I passed up the chance. We all headed out to a local restaurant to try a local delicassy... a good feeding of Arctic Char. It is a lot like salmon but the meat is more delicate and the taste is richer.
I'll find out for sure today but this trip to Edmonton will be a first for many of our participants. They were amazed at the size of the 3 story apartment buildings in Rankin, so I am curious about how Edmonton hits them. They are interested in the hockey game and the mall. They all expressed excitement about the practical experiences they would have at the sites in Edmonton.
Today there is a craft market at the local arena. We are hoping to make it there to gain a sense of some of the local craftsmanship. Many of the ladies in the community sew jackets for their whole families. The coats are thick, expertly sewn and usually include fur pieces at the hood or the wrists. That fur is decorative in the south. In this northern weather it's functionality is clear -- it's a good windbreak that protects exposed skin.
More tomorrow... I promise!
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