LAST EVENING'S TAG MEETING - BOMBSHELLS ON CRA & M.O.E.

I could call it a one man show. I could gush over Dick Jackson's, of Geofirma Ltd., knowledge and experience. His insights and explanations are excellent for those of us with even a modicum of environmental background. I have already learned much more about stream mechanics (erosion & deposition) as well as how and why dioxins, DDT and other hydrophobic toxins adhere to soil particles. Dick's quote was that TOC (total organic carbon) in a soil sample is the glue that binds the toxins to the soil. Hence the greater the TOC the greater affinity Dioxins, Furans and DDT have to adhere to it.

Mr. Jackson does not remotely come off as either wanting or intending to be a one man show. He simply outclasses, technically, everyone else present by such a huge margin. He goes out of his way to reference assistance and input from other TAG members. This includes Bill Barr, Susan and Sebastian Seibel-Achenbach. He gladly answers questions from TAG members (David Hofbauer) and even clarified "heterogeneity" from mayor Shantz who is not a TAG member.

Dick Jackson is blunt and factual while not being intentionally inflammatory. He flatly stated that on a couple of technical matters he is getting his own opinion from outside experts rather than relying on the M.O.E.'s input. As he stated one should not rely solely on the regulatory authority but should check and confirm with academics on the matter.

Mr. Jackson expressed his surprise and shock regarding the failure to monitor suspended sediment in either surface water or even groundwater. Susan attempted to describe Conestoga Rover's habit of filtering out the suspended sediments prior to analysing the water for contaminants. The term CRA used was field filtering many years ago. Regarding testing of the floodplain of the creek all the way down to the Grand River, Dick stated that a grid pattern is necessary to properly test the floodplain and not to miss hot spots. Of course none of this has been done despite a minimum twenty years of knowledge of the contamination.

Regarding the multiple references by Saloni Clerk of the M.O.E. about floodplain samples, at her presentation to RAC last September 30th; in fact no such samples were taken. Mr. Jackson appeared at a loss to explain how or why the Ministry of the Environment, both verbally and in writing could have made such a gross error (my words). One other gross error has to be mentioned by myself. The next paragraph needs to be transmitted to the public, loud and clear. Unfortunately absolutely zero media were present. Elmira and Woolwich have had the Elmira Independent covering UPAC and CPAC meetings for decades. The Woolwich Observer, only somewhat justifiably, have indicated their refusal to attend because they have correctly understood that CPAC (other than 2010-2015) was all for show. CPAC were intended by both the M.O.E. and sucessive Woolwich Councils to simply give the appearance of public consultation.

Here is the news that needs to be distributed widely. Dick Jackson is no alarmist. Nevertheless he stated that TAG must recommend to RAC (politicians & bureaucrats) that the length of the Canagagigue from Chemtura to the Grand River needs to be fenced off and warning signage installed. No grazing, no fishing and no walking.

I will be advising Mr. Jackson by e-mail this morning that he probably has been misinformed regarding the M.O.E.'s recent creek studies. Saloni Clerk's flawed presentation as well as data that Mr. Jackson has advised TAG about, all omits the Ministry's most damaging data. That came from their 2012 first study of DDT and Dioxins in the creek after the groundbreaking 1995-1996 Jaagumagi & Bedard study.

It can not be overstated how many times Mr. Jackson bluntly made it clear that the analysis of creek water dissolved contaminants versus both the quantity of suspended sediments present plus their toxic loading is 100% wrong, improper and deceptive. He stated that better the M.O.E. and CRA had thrown out the water and kept the sediments rather than the other way around. He also took umbrage with CRA's language and comments in their 2014 Annual Monitoring Report dealing with "no groundwater impact of toxins to the Canagagigue Creek". Finally timing is crucial as most of the mobilization of sediments and hence both erosion and deposition occur during and shortly after the spring floods ie. "freshet".

I repeat what I said here earlier this week. Dick Jackson is the real deal but I believe he is a "dead man walking". He certainly is not naive as I was twenty-five years ago but he can have no idea of the viciousness and nastiness of Woolwich politics. That combined with the vested interests on TAG, the M.O.E., Regional politicians, G.R.C.A. and Chemtura Canada leaves him very vulnerable. He will be dropped like a hot potatoe. The only question is when and how.