CHEMTURA WANT THEIR CAKE AND EAT IT TOO

They sure don't lack for brass. Brains yes but brass and nerve no. Chemtura are now bragging about their "...long series of remediation efforts..." at the same time as they are continuing their long tradition of always on the cheap remediation efforts. They are also according to today's Woolwich Observer trying to regain their Responsible Care designation with the Chemical Industry Assoc'n of Canada (CIAC). They have never deserved this designation in the first place but with the old CPAC's acquiesence they got it.

The timing of Chemtura's Press Release was exquisite. Each year at this time the Editor of the one local newspaper which faithfully attends public CPAC meetings, heads back to Alberta for her summer vacation. I have in the past criticized both the Woolwich Observer and the Waterloo Region Record for leaving Chemtura and CPAC coverage solely on the shoulders of the Elmira Independent. Well Steve Kannon (Observer) and Jeff Outhit (Record), I'm willing to eat those words. You guys and newspapers have admirably stepped up to the plate. Yesterday here in the Advocate I described Jeff Outhit's story and appropriate criticism of the planned "cleanup". Today I will focus on Steve Kannon's story (pg.3). The title is "Chemtura remediation plan inadequate, says CPAC head". The Independent did write a story "Chemtura announces voluntary remediation plans" but as Editor Gail Martin is away I believe this story was written solely from Chemtura's Press Release.

CPAC Chair Dan Holt was "deeply disappointed" by Chemtura's choice of remediation plans. Dr. Dan points out that CPAC have repeatedly advised both the Ministry of the Environment and Chemtura that source removal of contamination is needed on their site. This applies to DNAPLS, LNAPLS and Dioxins and DDT. Regarding Chemtura's plan to cap parts of the contamination Dan says "It is literally a cover-up". CPAC are properly incensed with Jeff Merriman of Chemtura baldly stating at CPAC meetings that Chemtura will remove contamination when and where they find it and then turning around and covering it up. The hypocrisy of this company is world class. Steve Kannon also included in his article the current situation with Woolwich Council having adopted CPAC's groundbreaking Resolution this spring that the current pumping regieme will not restore Elmira's drinking water by 2028.

One last comment regarding a quote from Jeff Merriman ""We'll have regular monitoring of that region of the site," he explained, noting this project is the last in the long series of remediation efforts that have been undertaken since 1987." Really , the last? Why only a couple of years ago when I publicly questioned then CPAC Chair Pat Mclean about the ongoing DNAPL investigations and cover-up she claimed that there was no final decision made. So did Pat lie? Or did she and CPAC make the DNAPL decision privately after that? Or did Chemtura unilaterally make the decision and just now are publicly announcing that decision? This is the kind of public consultation this company and their co-conspirators the M.O.E. practise.