M.O.E. RESPONDS TO CPAC & TOWNSHIP VISIT

The Ontario Ministry of the Environment have responded in writing to the face to face meeting they had with Woolwich Mayor Cowan and Chemura Public Advisory Committee (CPAC) reps in early December. All things considered it was a very timely albeit disappointing response on behalf of the Minister of the Environment, Jim Bradley. I have been advised verbally by three knowledgeable persons that the letter sent while respectful, courteous and timely basically said no to any and all requests by Woolwich Township and their committee of council, CPAC.

The letter from the M.O.E. bluntly advises that they have confidence in the 2028 alleged cleanup date. This is hardly surprising as they and Chemtura have been hiding behind their, until recently released, secret sweetheart deal for over two decades. I have posted here my belief that this secrecy is slowly breaking down as CPAC and Woolwich Township are forging ahead attempting to get a much better and more timely cleanup of the Elmira Aquifers. As well of late there appears to be a more candid response from the Region of Waterloo in regards to nonsense promises promulgated by the unholy trinity of Chemtura/CRA/M.O.E. .

There apparently is also some fairly heavy horse manure included in the M.O.E.'s letter. For example they make the unfactual and dishonest claim that the site has been contained by the on-site pump and treat system. Over the years even the M.O.E. and Wilf Ruland (hydrogeologist) have admitted from time to time that the site is leaking and not properly contained. Secondly the M.O.E. just like Chemtura and CRA are hiding behind their "dynamic" approach to cleanup. Allegedly this means that based on the science they will respond appropriately to problems and make positive changes when required. The reality is that all they react to is public pressure such as CPAC's Resolution, later endorsed by Woolwich Council last spring. CRA have responded with a major list of promises to at long last improve their off-site cleanup including source removal and increased pumping.

All in all Chemtura's partners in pollution by rejecting the intelligent and reasonable requests from CPAC and Woolwich Township have merely reinforced CPAC's resolve and understanding of the inherently dishonest and corrupt position the Ontario Ministry of the Environment has been in for decades.