HAWK RIDGE HOMES, SHANTZ STATION (Maryhill) GRAVEL PIT, OPTIMIZATION PLAN

Hmm what do those three topics above have in common? Easy: They are all three Woolwich Township issues, handled so-so, poorly and worse. ......................................................................................................................... The first and worst is the Hawk Ridge Homes proposed subdivision on Union St. across the road from Sulco (CCC) and Uniroyal Chemical (Lanxess). Will somebody please, please, please put a stake thrugh the heart of this beyond belief asinine proposed residential subdivision. Yes late night train noise is an issue but dear God death is a far bigger one. Uniroyal/Lanxess & Sulco (less so) do use toxic chemicals and there is a reason that residential housing is supposed to be kept well away from chemical companies. Thank you once again, Ken Seiling and family, for all that you have done with your former ownership of this site that has consumed Woolwich Township time, energy and money for the last twelve years (since 2009). This proposal still isn't dead as it's back to the drawing board yet again for revision after last Tuesday's council meeting. ............................................................................................................................... This past Tuesday was supposed to be the showdown in Woolwich Council Chambers. Well virtual showdown that is. In fact the showdown has been delayed until 5 pm. July 13/21 as there were something like 24 Delegations wishing to speak to Council about the proposed Capitol Paving gravel pit. I am still pessimistic that Woolwich Council will give the go ahead, not because the negative effects to homes, residents, businesses and farms can be fully mitigated but because the provincial MNRF (Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry) and the Aggregate Resources Act are both contemptible in their disdain and disregard for human beings in favour of the aggregate industry, their lobby and their power and influence. ...................................................................................................................................... Lastly we have the Optimization Plan as briefly explained at the top of page 3 of today's Woolwich Observer. This was a self-serving plan of Uniroyal/Crompton Co. and their consultants Conestoga Rovers, to reduce the longterm pumping necessary on their Elmira site which was intended to keep all Municipal Upper groundwater contamination from continued spreading throughout Elmira. It was so corrupt that the Ministry of Environment actually changed the 1991 Control Order in 2000 to permit some off-site leakage in the north-west BEFORE discussion had started much less finished at CPAC (Crompton Public Advisory Committee). That CPAC discussion crapped all over the plan including learning that a key well (CH 44?) had it's groundwater levels misinterpreted for years allowing contaminated water to move off-site. In fact it was suggested by some hydrogeologists that the only thing being optimized or improved was Crompton's financial situation with reduced pumping costs. Oh and of course this plan was endorsed by Woolwich Council of the day. Par for the course.