CHEMTURA NO, BIOGAS YES ???

Tomorrow's Woolwich Observer has a Letter to the Editor by Bryce Tettman titled "No excuse for lack of failsafes at Chemtura. This letter slams Chemtura for their record of spills and discharges , just over the last seven years alone. Interestingly enough he also suggests that the Biogas plant "should be fine as long as it is properly implemented. What will truly dictate this is how well the facility is designed and operated." Mr. Tettman last sentence is as follows: "But we as a community should also pass this message along to facilities that repeatedly cause problems like this: shape up or shut down." While I agree with Mr. Tettman's sentiments about shutting down, therein lies the rub. The Elmira community from past harsh experience knows only too well that once a stinky, unhealthy industry is up and running in town, it's almost impossible to either shut them down or to get them to clean up. In my opinion the strong, organized opposition from the citizens committee (BFCC) is also a strong indictment of the Ontario Ministry of the Environment. The M.O.E.'s credibility in regards to controlling and improving environmental issues including air is essentially nil. It's a whole lot more productive and effective to nip problems in the bud than wait until they are literally in your face and nose.