KUDOS TO WOOLWICH OBSERVER FOR THEIR HAWK RIDGE HOMES COVERAGE

Well last week the Observer reported on both my and Ron Koniuch's Sulco/CCC) Delegation to Council in regards to the never ending proposed residential subdivision to be located within breathing, smelling and dying distance of Lanxess Canada. Sulco as well as the former Nutrite (fertilizer) and the former Varnicolor Chemical are also nearby. This week the Observer's Editorial is titled "Council right to have concerns about Elmira subdivision". Of these four companies three of them have a documented history of soil and groundwater contamination caused by their own lack of responsibility. Sulco may have deep soil and groundwater contamination but that is primarily from Uniroyal/Lanxess. ........................................................................................................... Besides the Editorial the Observer also have a wonderful cartoon showing Sandy Shantz and another councillor delivering a Welcome Wagon basket to a future new homeowner in the subdivision. The basket contains noise-cancelling headphones, a nose plug, a Hazmat suit and a First-aid kit. What an appropriate cartoon under the ridiculous circumstances surrounding this subdivision. ..................................................................................................... The Editorial gives a brief environmental history of the area and industrial neighbours and it is not a pretty picture. The Duke St. "rowdies" and their sucessful lawsuit against Uniroyal Chemical is mentioned as well as some details of the toxins handled and mishandled at the Varnicolor Chemical site. Interestingly I believe it possible/likely that the following statement in the Editorial might just have come from something I wrote about Varnicolor decades ago namely "The chemicals there had the potential to cause leukemia, birth defects and internal bleeding, as well as liver, kidney and eye damage." ................................................................................................................... This folks is why local history should never be forgotten. It is relevant to issues today and to the health and safety of residents.