Developing remediation and re-use strategies for a former waste-oil processing facility in Loyalist Township

237 Jim Snow Drive has historically been used as a waste oil processing plant, whose purpose was to convert waste oil into fuel oil. The property was deserted by its owners and left vacant for a number of years but still contains a significant amount of equipment formally used by the processing plant. This includes the plant’s building, as well as various tanks, drums, and pails of chemicals (both labelled and unlabeled), some of which still contain various amounts of chemicals. 
The property was publicly advertised for tax sale in 2013, 2017, and 2021, however no bids were received for its purchase on any occasion. 
A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment for the property was completed in 2014. The report noted the presence of known and potential contamination at the site, and advised that a Phase II ESA would be required to provide more certainty around the extent of contamination on the property. 
The location of 237 Jim Snow Drive is relatively central within Loyalist Township and in close proximity to a large industrial park, making it an ideal candidate for revitalization, either for a potential commercial enterprise or for the Township’s own operations. The latter could include converting the site to an organic waste processing facility, a soil processing facility, or a snow dump, for example.  
The proposed project would involve conducting a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment on the property, developing strategies and estimates to remediate any contamination and disposing of chemicals, and identifying potential uses for the site after its remediation. 
The successful revitalization of 237 Jim Snow Drive has the potential to benefit the community by creating a site which would allow the Township to increase its level of service to residents, especially if it is determined that using it for Township operations is a viable option. Depending on the recommended end use for the property, the Township would be able to provide one, or several, service out of a central location, reducing travel distance and associated GHG emissions. For example, if the site is converted to a snow dump and/or soil remediation facility, its proximity to the urban areas within the Township would reduce the amount of distance covered by trucks travelling to or from the location. Alternatively, if the site is converted to an organic waste facility, the Township would be able to start diverting organic waste from landfill. Once again, the proximity of the site to the urban settlements of the Township would reduce travel distance for vehicles, further reducing GHG emissions associated with transportation. Regardless of end use, the remediation of the property would lead to positive environmental outcomes through the treatment of any soil and groundwater which had been contaminated through previous uses.