DIOXINS OF HISTORIC PROPORTIONS

Remember everything you've read about Agent Orange. Remember everything you've read about the contaminant mixed in with it called Dioxin. Don't forget locations in Vietnam, Seveso Italy or Missouri in the United States. Here in Canada it was spread on the ground in New Brunswick at Gagetown. Northern Ontario used Agent Orange and similar compounds to clear brush and undergrowth along roads and railway tracks. Well folks it's here right in Elmira, in the ground and groundwater for the last seventy years or so. It's been a known health and environmental issue here in Elmira for decades and our authorities have talked until they're blue in the face. Then they've lied about it until they're blue in the face. Then they and Uniroyal/Chemtura have hired experts and consultants to assist them in their lying. This is the history and reality here in Elmira.

Thursday evening in Woolwich Council chambers we got more of the same. Cowardly also of historic proportions. Chemtura delayed and delayed from last summer both further testing but more importantly in releasing the results to CPAC and the public. Even then results that they've had since last fall weren't issued prior to the public CPAC meeting. No, instead they had their hired truth massager talk about three remediation optuons. I've had a brief opportunity to look at the Dioxin concentrations since Thursday night. They are thousands of times higher than human health standards yet if we are to believe Conestoga Rovers pitchman that's O.K.. A whole .3 metre (1 foot) of soil can be scraped up and or the area can be capped with a HDPE or high density polyethylene cover. Then there are the lesser remediation plans. What universe are these technical geeks and nerds from? The health effects of Agent orange in returning U.S. serviemen are well documented. They extend from the servicemen to their children and grandchildren, so far. One of the many lies is that the only recepters are trespassers and shrews.

It is not reassuring to me that while Dioxins can dissolve into groundwater albeit with difficulty, they are more readily transported by groundwater with solvents in it. Just like the Uniroyal/Chemtura site is loaded with. It is stunning to me that if we are to believe the bought and paid for experts; that Dioxins flow much better in groundwater from the west side into the Canagagigue Creek than they flow from the east side into the creek. This kind of horse manure has surrounded this site for decades and the least significance is that it brings disrepute to scientists who indulge in it.