THE ART OF DECEPTION & CONCEALMENT

Suggestion and interpretation are huge factors in deception. Also verbal additions to written documentation can intentionally lead people astray. I have reread documents for the sixth and seventh time, years after the fact, and picked up nuances and information I missed the first time. The English language doesn't always clearly elucidate the intended meaning.

For example the vast bulk of maps of the Chemtura/Uniroyal property show GP1 as generally in the south-east corner, positioned diagonally. I had no idea why it was in that position contrary to the orientation of all the other eastern pits. I did notice that from time to time on various maps there did seem to be small differences in its' position whether further north or south or even further east or west but it was difficult to tell because the only nearby landmark was GP2 which lies horizontally, parallel to Chemtura's extreme southern boundary.

Upon rereading two old reports (1991 & 1985) things begin to make more sense. Both reports, one done by Conestoga Rovers and one done by the Ontario M.O.E. refer to overflow from the eastern pits draining into a gravel pit (GP1), singular. There is no mention of GP2. Further study of Conestoga Rover's topographical contours also raised both questions and answers. The questions were why did they have the same numerical contour line on both the Chemtura and Stroh property approaching each other and then stop an inch apart on their map, right at the border between the properties? The appearance to me was one of deception as if they did not want the reader to put the big picture together regarding overland flow from the Chemtura property onto the Stroh property.

As mentioned in the first paragraph verbal suggestions are important. Jeff Merriman of Chemtura has long talked about furrows, as has some of the older reports. Therefore subconsciously when looking at satellite or aerial photographs that is what one looks for. It took some time before the huge swales on the east side actually registered. These swales can be seen on Google Earth . They are located on the west side of the eastern pits and they drain due south past RPE5 and TPE2 into the wetlands of the south-east quadrant of the site. Also there is a very good aerial photograph showing these swales in the 1991 Environmental Audit. This photograph very well may show furrows as well based upon the timing.

The Terraqua Report (1987) was mentioned in the K-W Record by a hydrogeologist, shortly after the Elmira wells were shut down, as the report which should have set all the alarm bells ringing. Like a magician's sleight of hand, Chemtura have been talking and arguing about removal of solid wastes, when the real issue regarding transport of their persistent organic pollutants (Dioxins & DDT), has been the liquid discharge of hundreds of thousands of gallons per week into the natural environment including the Canagagiue Creek. This report tells us that the bulk of DDT and Dioxins were piped across the creek over to the eastern pits where they both leaked and overflowed directly and indirectly into the Canagagigue Creek. Keep in mind that the word directly is somewhat subjective in these circumstances.

Throughout this entire twenty-five year process the Ontario M.O.E. have been supporting this misdirection and sleight of hand. One could be forgiven for believing that they felt their interests were also being protected by lying to the public.