Reports associated with the below release:

1 -ECA Certificate - 09-11-25 - SF Compost Site

2 -Design & Operations Report - SF Compost Site

3 -Hydrogeological Assessment - SF Compost Site

4 -Stormwater Management Report - SF Compost Site

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The Town of Smiths Falls is addressing recent public concerns regarding the compost site located within the Intake Protection Zone (IPZ) and is reaffirming to residents that the Town’s drinking water is safe.

On September 11, 2025, the Town received formal approval from the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) for an updated Environmental Compliance Approval (ECA) for the municipal compost site. This approval follows a multi-year process of site investigations, soil, surface water, and groundwater testing, and technical review by both external consultants and the MECP. (please see above for the ECA and associated studies and assessments that formed the ECA application)

The Town wishes to emphasize:

• The drinking water in Smiths Falls is safe. Regular testing of treated drinking water continues to meet all provincial standards, and the MECP has not identified any risks to the municipal drinking water system.
• The testing program at the compost site was required due to a mapping inaccuracy from the original 1992 ECA. Correcting this required the Town to complete modern studies and baseline investigations, including soil sampling, groundwater monitoring, hydrogeological reporting, and stormwater management review.
• Soil and groundwater sampling identified some elevated levels in certain locations. These results were transparently included in the Town’s ECA submission to the MECP. Importantly, the MECP reviewed this data in its entirety before granting approval.

As part of the approval conditions, the Town is required to:

• Conduct annual surface water and groundwater testing each July.
• Submit a detailed annual monitoring report to the MECP by November 30 each year.
• Operate the compost site in full compliance with updated provincial environmental standards.

“Protecting the health and safety of our residents is, and always will be, our top priority,” said Shawn Pankow, Mayor of Smiths Falls. “The drinking water in Smiths Falls is safe, and our commitment to transparency, accountability, and strong environmental stewardship remains firm. The Town will continue to work with regulators to ensure our water supply remains protected for generations to come.”

The Town recognizes that misinformation has circulated regarding the compost site and associated testing. It is important to note that all data was provided to the MECP, which conducted a thorough review before issuing its approval. The Town categorically rejects claims of secrecy or selective reporting.

Smiths Falls has always prided itself on safe, reliable water, and that commitment continues stronger than ever. Residents are encouraged to visit the Town’s website for more information on water quality reports and environmental compliance processes.

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Media Contact
Joanne Plontz
Communications and Marketing Coordinator
77 Beckwith Street N, Box 695
Smiths Falls, ON K7A 2B8
613-283-4124 ext. 1122
Communications@smithsfalls.ca