An investigation has been launched into potential violations at the Scott Road lagoons in Sarnia.
Mayor Mike Bradley recently appealed to the Minister of Environment David Piccni for immediate action to shut down the site until odour issues are fully resolved.
Over the summer months, the site has been the source of a foul smell blanketing parts of the city, resulting in several complaints to city hall and the Ministry of Environment.
In a response Thursday to the mayor's letter, the ministry said the Environmental Investigations and Enforcement Branch has initiated an investigation at the Wessuc Inc. site.
The letter also states that ministry staff have responded to all complaints from the community, and have visited the site to confirm the odours and ensure the Brantford company has been following the requirements of their Environmental Compliance Approval.
The ministry has also required the company to take additional actions including air-monitoring, reducing the quantity and type of bio-solids being accepted at the site, increasing public engagement efforts and hiring a consultant to assess operations and make recommendations for improved odour controls.
In a post on the waste management company's Facebook Page, Shire Corp, it states the clean out at the Sarnia lagoon was conducted from August into September, in an effort to significantly reduce odours in the area.
The site is approved to receive and temporarily store a variety of waste materials that may be considered non-agricultural waste when applied to agricultural land.
That can include organic waste such as treated sewage biosolids, assorted food wastes and some inorganic wastes.