Raywal Kitchens Issue

For over a decade the community around Raywal Kitchens in Thornhill, Ontario has raised concerns about pollution coming from Raywal Kitchens.  The forms of pollution include stack emissions of Volatile Organic Carbon (VOC), noise as well as suspended particulates (dust etc.).   The community has formed various action groups to try and deal with these issues through out the years.  As well, many residents have made their own independent efforts in trying to make change.  AWRA has been actively working at resolving Raywal pollution issues with the community since January 2006 (when AWRA was formed).

The last reported annual emission, 2005, of VOC (solvent fume's etc) from Raywal was approximately 143 tonnes.  That is approximately 143,000 litres of solvent evapourated and emitted from their emission stacks, right next door to a dense residential neighbourhood. 

AWRA continues to meet with Raywal every two months in their Public Liaison Committee meetings to discuss on going pollution issues and potential resolutions.  Please see our most recent statement regarding the AWRA position on Raywal pollution.

The direct result of pollution complaints from active residents of the community the Ministry of the Environment (MoE) has recently issued a Provincial Officers Report as well as Provincial Officers Order (POO) to  Raywal.  The report shows that The MoE has found that Raywal exceeded it's 1 odour unit at nearby sensitive receptors, thereby exceeding performance condition #1 of it's Certificate of Approval for operating.  Generally, the POO requires that Raywal must complete a Technology Benchmarking Report (TBR) which will assess "the feasibility of available methods to reduce odour concentrations at area sensitive receptors".  The compliance date for the TBR is Dec. 18, 2008.

Visit the Raywal - Public Liaison Committee website for updates on community meetings and other developments.

Project Documentation:

AWRA Position regarding Raywal Pollution - August 13, 2008

AWRA letter to the Honourable John Gerretson, Minister of the Environent - August 12, 2008

RORW letter to the Hon. John Gerreston, Minister of the Environment - August 6, 2008

Provincial Officers Report as well as Provincial Officers Order - July 29, 2008