The problem of high odour-unit readings continues in Collingwood's east end, according to an update released by Dan Orr, Technical Support Section, Central Region, Ministry of the Environment.

Two earlier Technical Memorandum reports were issued by the Technical Support Section of the Ministry of the Environment, releasing findings from samples taken in June, July, August and September. The latest update deals with findings taken from sampling events on September 17th and 25th, November 8th and 9th and December 6th, 2008. "A final report will be issued in 2009 to summarize the findings from all 21 sampling events and will provide an analysis thereof and conclusions as to the impacts and possible sources" Orr said in his report.

For the September 17, 2008 sampling event, sample #8 taken downwind of both facilities on MacDonald Road represented the highest value obtained for the event with a result of 45 odour units (OU). The sample collected upwind of both facilities (#1) had a result of 9 OUs. Predominant winds during the sampling event were from the West (W). Sampling occurred from 10:27 am to 12:55 pm.

For the September 25, 2008 sampling event, sample #6 taken downwind on Raglan Street represented the highest value obtained for the event with a result of 66 OUs. The sample collected upwind of both facilities (#1) had a result of 4 OUs. Predominant winds during the sampling event were from the East (E). Sampling occurred from 9:14 am to 11:37 am.

Results of the November 8, 2008 sampling event show that sample #8 taken downwind of both facilities on Highway 26 represented the highest value obtained for the event with a result of 55 OUs. The sample collected upwind of both facilities (#1) had a result of <6 OUs. Predominant winds during the sampling event were from the West Southwest (WSW). Sampling occurred from 10:27 am to 12:08 pm.

For the November 9, 2008 sampling event, sample #4 taken downwind of both facilities on Clubhouse Drive represented the highest value obtained for the event with a result of 62 OUs. The sample collected upwind of both facilities (#1) had a result of <6 OUs. Predominant winds during the sampling event were from the West Northwest (WNW). Sampling occurred from 9:57 am to 11:55 am.

For the December 6, 2008 sampling event, sample #8 taken downwind of both facilities just off of Highway #26 in the Honda parking lot represented the highest value obtained for the event with a result of 93 OUs. The sample collected upwind of both facilities (#1) had a result of <6 OUs. Predominant winds during the sampling event were from the South Southwest/ South (SSW/S). Sampling occurred from 11:39 am to 3:18 pm.

It should be noted that the samples were collected under variable wind conditions which were noted by the TSS field staff. Although the met tower data present a “typical” wind direction, it is a representation of a 15 minute sampling period, so winds could be shifting throughout this time period. Therefore, sample locations may not always correlate with the reported wind direction from the met tower. Samples were collected based on visual observations of the plume direction, and most importantly, the presence of odour at the location as detected by the TSS field staff.

During the period August to October 2008, Collingwood Ethanol conducted source testing and completed modifications to its facility. In November and December Canadian Mist conducted source testing of its facility. The information from these reports will be reviewed by the MOE and commented on in the final report.

The data reported in this Technical Memorandum, as in the two previous reports, confirm that elevated odour unit levels, which are indicative of adverse odour impact, were present downwind of both facilities.

Collingwood Mayor Chris Carrier was disappointed with the results of the report. Carrier said that the odour unit is supposed to be one, adding that he had expected compliance, not a continuation of problem readings. He added that the town continues to receive complaints regarding noise and odour in Collingwood's east end.