ELMIRA DESPERATELY NEEDS AN HONEST BROKER

I believe we currently have such a person and that is Dr. Dick Jackson. Unfortunately he is retiring effective December 31, 2016. An honest broker could present all the different sediment quality guidelines, tissue residue guidelines as well as variables that effect toxicity in the Canagagigue Creek. An honest broker would look at the huge numbers of toxic chemicals in the creek sediments whether above or below various Interim Sediment Quality Guidelines, Lowest Effect Level, Probable Effect Level, Severe Effect level and be able to determine things such as the effect of total Dioxins/Furans, total PCBs, total Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), total DDTs and even total Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)on life forms in the creek. As all of these compounds are persistent and bio-accumulative they contribute to a toxic load both for life in the creek but also consumers of these life forms in the creek.

A number of these toxins are at or above Severe Effect Levels (SEL) in the creek in various locations. More are at Probable and Lowest Effect levels. It is the cumulative effect both within and without the creek which must be considered. The other huge point is the length of time that these chemicals have been affecting life forms. Back in the 1950s to 1970 perhaps all life was dead. Some of the solvents including chlorophenols, benzene and much more, effectively destroyed all life in the creek. As they have been slowly decreased in 1965 (sewage treatment plant) and then the UACTS (upper aquifer treatment system) in 1996 the most toxic loads of solvents have been greatly reduced. Life has returned although it now faces a slower death and health effects and these move up the food chain. When the creek was discoloured and stank it would tend to keep both people and wildlife away. Not so much nowadays as even the cattle at New Jerusalem Rd. and probably Northfield Dr. are back in the creek and drinking the water not to mention grazing on the floodplain.

The Ontario Ministry of the Environment are not honest brokers. Obviously neither are Chemtura and their well paid consultants. The science can be complicated. This of course allows dishonest brokers a field day. Combined with this is our current Woolwich Council who politically are working hand in glove with Chemtura and the M.O.E. to deny public input and real public consultation. The cowards are afraid of an informed citizenry with opportunities to publicly state their case as well they should be.