FOUR YEARS AND STILL WAITING

This is what the Elmira "cleanup" is all about. Four and a half years ago CPAC advised Woolwich Township and the public that Chemtura and the Ministry of Environment promises to clean up the Elmira Aquifers by 2028 were nonsense. We made it clear that the current method (hydraulic containment) ie. pump & treat just wasn't going to do the job. Initially Chemtura and the M.O.E. vehemently denied our conclusions. However then Chemtura and CRA announced in November 2012 that they were going to both triple the volume of off-site pumping AND use In Situ Chemical Oxidation (ISCO) in some of the hot spots. Over four years later and we are still waiting.

ISCO has been tested with trial runs. They were done poorly somewhat similar to the entire cleanup to date. Dr. Jackson, former TAG Chair has advised Chemtura and now GHD who they need to consult on that matter. More pumping wells have been dug, others replaced (W3R), treatment systems enhanced, right of ways negotiated and permits granted. Over four years later and no tripling of the volume of groundwater pumped and treated. Oh by the way they also changed their tune during the last four years. Now they are only promising to double the pumping rates and volumes. We await....patiently.

In the interim even Chemtura are now admitting the unliklihood of coming even close to a 2028 cleanup even with their so called improvements (greater pumping). The M.O.E. also acknowledge the obvious. Perhaps by 2048...if we're lucky. Keep on making profits Chemtura (Lanxess?).