OPTIMIZATION, RATIONALIZATION & OTHER SELF-SERVING FANTASIES

Bullshit baffles brains. That appears to be the logic behind a number of local scams. These include the 2000-2004 (approx.) Optimization plan put forward on behalf of Uniroyal/Crompton by their consultants, Conestoga Rovers. The idea was to shift expensive on-site pumping of highly contaminated groundwater off-site where it was less concentrated (requiring less treatment) and where the taxpayers picked up half the cost of pumping and treating it. Oddly enough just about everybody at UPAC/CPAC were highly skeptical and critical of this plan. Indeed these criticisms came from both professionals and informed amateurs at CPAC meetings. Despite this the issue disappeared and only a few years later did we understand the deceit of Uniroyal and their partners in pollution, the Ontario Ministry of Environment. The M.O.E. amended the Control Order demanding full on-site containment first and then attempted to sweet talk the public into accepting it. When that failed they let the matter drop without dropping their contemptible June 21, 2000 Amending Order. Pure public manipulation and deceit.

The next bullshit is the Boundary Rationalization for Elmira. Originally the plan for expansion as well as for a By-Pass around Elmira to eliminate truck traffic, noise and fumes downtown was to go on the west side of town. Afterall the land is flat, dry and available. The east side by-pass is hilly, wet, contaminated and surprise surprise also available. Our local brain trusts think they have a win-win here. They can continue to suck up to Uniroyal Chemtura Lanxess by saving them millions of dollars in cleanup costs on the two east and south farms that they have contaminated. Firstly they will lower the cleanup criteria from residential & agricultural to industrial & commercial. Secondly they will, bury contaminated soils under thousands of tonnes of gravel and asphalt. Of course both surface and groundwater will continue to leach Dioxins & Furans and DDT and more into the Canagagigue Creek to be carried downstream. Secondly they will curry favour with the electorate by reducing downtown truck issues. The environmental contamination will once again be out of sight and out of mind.

I`m mildly offended at how brazen our Councillors are. I`m more offended at their manipulation and deceit of the public. They know how busy people`s lives are between homes, families and jobs. Hence they hide behind planning departments, experts, consultants and other allegedly unbiased professionals all looking out for the public interest. If only that`s what they were looking out for.