MORE MUSIC TO MY EARS AT WOOLWICH COUNCIL

The cowards at Chemtura were no where to be found last evening. Their name and reputation of course were front and centre courtesy of many speakers including myself (twice) and Pat Mclean and Susan Bryant. Ron Koniuch of Sulco, unlike Pat & Susan, did not focus on Chemtura's myriad of sins. His presentation was more balanced as he explained the steps and costs that his company has undertaken to be a safe and good corporate citizen. He felt that this encroachment of more residential homes along their west side was exacerbating the inherent threats of chemical and industrial processes to nearby citizens health and safety.

I spoke initially regarding Chemtura's $3 million remediation that was done in the wrong place. I was fairly gentle on Chemtura suggesting that it might have been accidental. Frankly that's not really very likely. By doing a $3 million dollar remediation of the wrong GP1 area they were attempting to avoid a $30 million plus cleanup of a much larger and deeper more contaminated area.

Hawk Ridge Homes gave an incredibly self-serving and deceptive delegation to Council and the public as to the joys of living in this new community with only minor but mitigated noise issues from nearby industry. They suggested that the rules have changed regarding industrial noise in an attempt to allow more infilling and development near industrial sites. They absolutely did not raise a single issue in regards to the health and safety of these new potential residents next door to Sulco and Chemtura Canada.

The straight faced hypocrisy of Susan, Pat and Mark and Sandy was on full display last evening. A year ago Chemtura were a poor, misunderstood chemical company desperately trying to engage the community in meaningful dialogue while those nasty CPAC folk were hurting their tiny feelings. Last evening Chemtura's sins, spills, fugitive emissions, fires and explosions were on full display. Their inability to control their processes and their unwillingness to take the necessary steps until forced to do so were clearly outlined. Last evening the truth was spoken although some of those so doing have been speaking out of both sides of their mouth. It was a good evening. Let's see if Woolwich Council decide for once to do the right thing when it comes to protecting citizens within their jurisdiction.