Environmental Stewardship

Environmental Protection

Our mission is to leave the world a better place than we found it by helping its inhabitants find purpose in becoming its caretakers.

We are committed to being responsible stewards of the environment and champions for sustainability. This commitment is a cornerstone of all we do, and the following principles help guide our environmental centre regulations.

Protection
We will conduct all operations in a manner that protects the environment and our employees, neighbours, and customers.

Compliance
We will comply with all legal requirements and proactively implement procedures to ensure compliance. WM is committed to meeting and or exceeding all regulatory requirements.

Conservation
We will practice and promote the conservation of nature and the earth’s energy resources. The science of landfill construction has progressed remarkably from when waste was deposited in open, unlined “dumps.”

Today, modern landfills like WCEC are carefully designed to contain waste and protect the environmental integrity of the surrounding area – including the air, water and soil. Our landfill incorporates advanced design features, including multi-layer liner construction, gas extraction and leachate removal systems.

Environmental Monitoring Program

In accordance with the ECA, A461002 WCEC completes a comprehensive monitoring program, including monitoring of groundwater, surface water, air quality and noise at the facility.

Groundwater monitoring is completed through a network of perimeter monitoring wells that are strategically placed to observe groundwater quality changes at upgradient and downgradient locations.

Surface water monitoring is completed based on responses to precipitation events. Five stormwater management ponds were installed across the site to manage runoff from landfill and non-landfill areas. Water quality is analyzed in accordance with the regulatory requirements.

Landfill gas is collected through horizontal galleries that are connected to vertical gas extraction wells and vacuumed to an on-site gas-to-energy facility to generate energy back into the public hydro grid system. A flare facility is also online for backup or any additional destruction.

WCEC received approval to treat leachate that is generated in the waste through a phytoremediation system consisting of a 7-ha poplar tree plot planted on the old original landfill; this system is run approximately eight months of the year. Additional leachate is piped offsite to the City of Ottawa treatment facility.

Wildlife Habitat Conservation

Beyond providing safe and convenient disposal services, the West Carleton Environmental Centre (WCEC) is also home to thriving natural ecosystems that support local biodiversity.

Spanning 360 hectares in Ontario’s mixed wood plains, the site features surface water ponds, sediment ponds, wooded areas, and tree- and shrub-lined berms that provide shelter and food sources for various species. These natural spaces are actively enhanced and maintained by WM’s dedicated wildlife team.

The WCEC has been certified by the Wildlife Habitat Council (WHC) since 2006, receiving multiple recognitions for leadership in conservation. Most notably, the site earned first place in WHC’s Reptile and Amphibian Project category in 2020 for its work protecting the resident painted turtle population by installing nesting zones, sunning rafts, and turtle crossing signage.

Additional on-site initiatives include planting poplar trees to connect forested areas, using barley straw to manage algae in ponds, and installing owl nesting platforms and mallard duck tubes. These projects are designed to promote ecological health and support local wildlife.

The WCEC’s 18-year partnership with the Wildlife Habitat Council reflects WM’s long-standing commitment to sustainability, environmental stewardship, and being a responsible neighbour to the surrounding communities.