Some south Ottawa residents are voicing opposition to the idea of a new green bin program that would see a compost plant built near their homes.
The residents say they're upset because they haven't been consulted about the project and are worried the new plant will bring heavy truck traffic, foul order and contaminated water to their neighbourhood.
"I feel like I'm a target, there's no doubt about it. They're planning to build something that shouldn't be built near residential houses," area resident Attila Korosi told CTV Ottawa.
"They did not give us a chance - even as we speak now - to voice our opinions and to hear what other people have to say," added Ellen Champagne.
One-third of Ottawa's waste is currently organic and will soon be sent to Orgaworld, a private composting contractor, which has already leased a site to build a compost facility near Hawthorne and Rideau roads.
"It is zoned heavy-industrial and it is zoned specifically for this type of facility. It has physical features from the standpoint of area, the nature of the land, location to services," Orgaworld Vice President Rick Mosher told CTV Ottawa.
Councillor Doug Thompson says he'll look into forming an advisory committee to oversee the process. He says everyone's concerns will need to be assessed and hopefully they will be able to reach a consensus.
Orgaworld's compost facility plan is now in the approval stages. The company says it expects to be in operation by fall 2009.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's John Hua
