AND YET AGAIN ELMIRA IS P....D UPON

As described briefly yesterday there was an air emission from Chemtura which their neighbours did not enjoy. The story was carried on CKCO-TV , 570 News Radio and the K-W Record this morning. I trust our two local newspapers will also shortly have stories as well.Today's Record has a picture of Mayoralty candidate Todd Cowan examining damage done to one of a number of cars across Union St. from his business.

Here is what I have not read or heard in the media: Although Todd Cowan and colleagues noticed odours and damage at approximately 3:15 pm. Tuesday, within a few minutes of that, football players, outdoors at Elmira District Secondary School (EDSS), were experiencing both unpleasant odours and taste. I've been there vis a vis inhaled solvents being re-enjoyed via the taste buds. It's neither pleasant nor healthy. Clearly this compound is both a skin irritant and a respiratory irritant.

"Jane Glassco, a spokesperson for the ministry, said the product was released from a pressure tank and became airborne." This is what I suspected based on prior toxic releases from Chemtura. We were advised in the past that it is standard operating practice to have pressure vessels which are holding product, equipped with what are known as "rupture discs". If the chemical reaction goes out of control (ie. unacceptable pressure rise) then this disc is designed to fail and release the contents, under pressure to the natural environment, ie. up the stack. In this day and age of technical capabilities, this is 1900's (or 1800s) technology.

Last but not least, yesterday's problems were merely a symptom of a company which has never been under control, either by the M.O.E. , by themselves or by anyone else. All the authorities involved, including the Township, have been unable to do so primarily because they are unwilling to do so. It's always been lip service to the residents while applying their lips to Chemtura's backside. Will this only change after Elmira has sufferred another disaster?