ADJUSTING THE SCIENCE ACCORDING TO YOUR NEEDS

The above title comes from a former environmental colleague in describing Conestoga Rover's psuedo science. As recently as this morning I was discussing the hypocrisy of anyone suggesting that the young CPAC were not scientifically rigorous. Above and beyond two environmental professionals on CPAC is the fact that both CRA and the M.O.E. are in no position to throw stones on that matter. Their most recent efforts regarding free phase DNAPL at OW57-32R would be funny if they weren't so pathetic. The "oopsy" defence is shared by both (inadvertent oil spill) and the M.O.E. literally have pulled acetone as a co-solvent to chlorobenzene in groundwater; out of thin air without any backup or references whatsoever.

Another example would be CRA's suggestion that there is a "relic" plume at OW60 that they are possibly going after with chemical oxidation. This "relic" plume is just about as scientifically rigorous as their "phantom mound" at CH44 (Yara) eight years ago. CRA used this non-existent, by their own admission, hydraulic high or mound as "proof" that their sub par on-site pumping was containing contaminants on site. Then they literally tried to sneak the disappearance of the "phantom mound" by CPAC.

Further contemptible behaviour by Chemtura/CRA/M.O.E abounds. This would include on last week's handout by CRA, Figure ES.1, the June 21, 2000 Amending Order to the Nov.4, 1991 Control Order. This Amending order was passed surrepticiously first and then discussion on it and Optimization began at CPAC AFTER it was a done deal. Secondly Chemtura and the M.O.E. on the same Figure have once again "forgotten" to include the October 7, 1991 Settlement Agreement aka "Sweetheart Deal".

In-Situ Chemical Oxidation (ISCO) may be an excellent form of remediation for Elmira. However we will never know as that would require honest public consultaion ahead of time. Chemtura and the M.O.E. are masters of subterfuge, manipulation and blatant lying. Chances of this changing appear slim.

Chair Dan Holt had an excellent question which Steve Quigley of CRA stickhandled around. Dan asked how they are going to sucessfully increase their off-site target pumping by 300% when they can't achieve their current targets most of the time. Vivienne asked the M.O.E. if they would do independent monitoring or just use CRA's data. She also asked if they would keep a closer eye on Chemtura than they have been doing. George Karlos of the Ministry stickhandled around that one.

There was brief discussion around downstream testing in the Canagagigue for Dioxins and DDT. Mark Bauman and others are keen on it although I just see it being used as a red herring by the M.O.E. to deflect attention away from other issues. Honest, scientific and rigorous testing is one thing. The M.O.E.'s usual crap is not.

Dan Holt raised a question about groundwater testing on Varnicolor Chemical's former Lot 91. The M.O.E. as usual are keeping their cards close to their chest about sharing information. Under formal M.O.E. rules regarding showering public consultative bodies with the mushroom treatment; information contrary to the M.O.E.'s public position must be kept under wraps.

Ron Campbell advised that the M.O.E.'s Limitation Clause in their reports is giving SWAT (soil, water, air, technology) and CPAC great difficulty. It essentially undermines all confidence in M.O.E. reports.

Sebastian raised funding issues for CPAC and was supported by David Marks and Ron Campbell. Josef of Chemtura was unhelpful on the matter. Eric Hodgins of the Region of Waterloo advised that they are hiring Wilf Ruland, former consultant to APTE and CPAC for technical advice on the five year review just done by CRA. I believe that Eric favours Wilf because Wilf is a team player and fights for the brand. I do not favour Wilf and have so advised CPAC.

Overall last Thursday's CPAC meeting shone a light on the hypocrisy of CRA/Chemtura/M.O.E.. It shone a light upon the young CPAC being on the right track. It shone a light upon the lack of credibility of CRA/Chemtura/M.O.E.. At least two of those three parties are currently whining and crying that they don't like the attitude and tone at CPAC. They had many years with the old CPAC whereby they could shovel their bullshit and CPAC would politely ask for more. Those days are over. Man up and take your appropriate lumps or feel free to go home to your Mommys.