Waste Disposal Facility Siting in Nova Scotia: Opportunities to Increase Procedural Equity

Abstract

The inequitable distribution of undesirable and potentially hazardous land uses is an issue across North America. In Nova Scotia no legislation requires equity to be considered during the waste disposal facility site selection process. The purpose of this project is to support the formalization of siting procedural equity as one of the criterion in waste disposal facility siting processes in Nova Scotia. Siting equity is “the fairness of siting a facility at a particular location and the fairness of the process for reaching that decision” (Lang, 1990, p. 84).

The report is informed by a literature, policy and government document review. Interviews and a workshop with ten planners and other experts familiar with waste siting also guide the findings. Participant feedback suggests three strategic actions governments can take to help integrate equity into site selection processes. The three actions are to (1) build an awareness of equity in government and communities, (2) integrate equity into policy and regulations, and (3) encourage use of appropriate site selection tools.

Planners can raise awareness by creating language around equity and inequity, clearly defining terms of use and conducting community engagement that is accessible and inclusive. There are opportunities to integrate equity into provincial and municipal legislation including the Environment Act, Municipal Government Act, Solid Waste-Resource Regulations and waste site specific guidelines. Municipalities can incorporate equity into their municipal planning strategies, land use bylaws, community engagement strategies, and other planning strategies. Procedural and substantive tools can help planners select sites. Tools should be selected on a case to case basis. Overall, public dialogue about inequitable siting and waste facility distribution may pressure governments to integrate equity into procedures and policy. Nova Scotian governments have the opportunity to model best siting practices through demonstration, and inspire other local and provincial Canadian governments.