WOOLWICH TOWNSHIP ARE ALSO PUSHING THE M.O.E. FOR ACTION

Last Thursday's Elmira Independent advises under a story describing a recent Council meeting that the Township have again attempted to engage the Ontario Ministry of the Environment in a dialogue regarding the inadequate cleanup of Elmira's groundwater. This has occurred earlier at an AMO (Association of Municipalities of Ontario) conference and was attempted again at the latest one in early September. There was also a meeting which included three CPAC members and Woolwich's CAO and Mayor a couple of years ago. While verbal reassurrances were given by Environment Minister Jim Bradley, the followup letter was very disappointing.

Last week's Independent story advised that the Township wish to engage the Ministry in a conversation both about the inadequacy of the current cleanup as well as about increased funding for CPAC. Currently CPAC receive fundng for secretarial and administrative costs from Chemtura ($10,000) and have recently received an equal amount from the Township to go towards a consultant who will provide technical assistance. I can say that this Council despite inexperience and other flaws have overall been more supportive of an honest, proactive CPAC than any other. Past Councils have cheerfully "supported" a CPAC which stayed within strictly defined parameters such as not rocking the boat on the cleanup approved by the Ministry of the Environment.