RAC MINUTES FROM DECEMBER 8/16

As usual I post about these public environmental meetings the morning after and then sometimes we wait forever (weeks or months) and other times barely three weeks to see the formal, published Minutes. Regardless I enjoy reading my interpretation of the meeting and then later reading what has come from the formalized Minutes process handled by the Township. Overall I would say that I am pleasantly surprised by the quality of the Township's efforts. Yes their's is no more perfect than mine whether typos, spelling errors or factual discrepancies. Sometimes it's no more than a different focus between the Township and myself regarding what we view as significant.

As usual the lack of Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest is absolute horse manure. Kudos however to the Township and their Recorder for appropriately recording CPAC's (Citizens Public Advisory Committee) Delegation to RAC (Remediation Advisory Committee) that was presented by yours truly. Further kudos in that my Delegation in its' entirety was included with the Minutes as they are on the Township's new website. Check under Committees of Council, then RAC. My and CPAC's Delegation focused on the sloppy, incoherent sampling methodology spread over several years used by the Ministry of Environment in their "investigation" of the downstream Canagagigue Creek.

Louis Almeida of GHD (Chemtura's consultants) acknowledged that there are still concerns with the reissued off-site East Side Work Plan and the lack of either soil or groundwater sampling in the area known as the "Gap". RAC have also criticized the lack of sampling in the Gap area as well as TAG and CPAC. Finally access to the Stroh property has become an issue. Mr. Almeida claims that the M.O.E. will issue an order for access if it is not soon forthcoming.

Jason Rice of the M.O.E. while obstinate and close minded still is no Terri Buhlman in that department. He advised that the M.O.E. will not revise or reissue the inaccurate Bulletin they handed out last spring to downstream Canagagigue Creek residents. Shame on them. The Ministry are also clearly trying to narrow the total downstream investigation to but two small areas namely Station #20 & #21. RAC passed a Motion condemning the M.O.E.'s May 2016 Bulletin and called it "misleading". It was noted that TAG are also upset with the M.O.E.'s narrow focus on only two spots in the creek. Clearly the M.O.E., one way or the other, are bought and paid for by Chemtura and their interests.

Susan Bryant pointed out that another report by the M.O.E. regarding a soil survey for Dioxins west and north of Station #21 was confusing. In this report, despite many other Dioxin criteria used in Canada and Ontario, the M.O.E. are now suggesting that the defining criteria is 48 pg/g TEQ or 48 parts per trillion (ppt). There are both lower and higher criteria although the 21.5 ppt and 36 ppt formerly used would seem more appropriate.

Again the English/Wabigoon river system through the Grassy Narrows area was raised. This was also in relation to the M.O.E.'s nonsense that a hard criteria alone regarding sediment concentrations of toxic chemicals is not enough to predict biological effects. Dr. Richard Jackson is not buying that nor are I believe any other citizens.

It sounds as if two more reports are coming from the M.O.E. regarding the creek. One is an Ecological Risk Assessment due by the end of February however raw data may be available sooner. The other report is yet another creek sediment sampling Work Plan. Based on the M.O.E.'s history of deception, stalling and misdirection it's difficult to believe that either of these will be more than further efforts to minimize Chemtura's downstream cleanup efforts. Isn't it grand that citizens' taxes are supporting our local world class polluter, soon to be known as Lanxess.

Dr. Jackson's theory and calculations regarding Aquitard diffusion of NDMA and Chlorobenzene back into the Elmira Aquifers has after many months not been disputed by any parties. Louis Almeida (GHD) has not so subtly stated that Chemtura will develop a Workplan for the creek based upon "the areas the MOECC has highlighted." Isn't that cute how one hand washes the other? How one guilty party to the environmental crisis supports the other guilty party? Afterall it's all in the family.

Dr. Jackson again pointed out that two new TAG members will be appointed to be RAC representatives. This is important but will certainly have the two current "control freaks" in a tizzy.

There is supposed to be from now on a Township Media Release on these matters distributed to the media as well as put on the Township website. I believe it is on the Township website under News or News reports. This is an excellent idea if it is followed through. The next RAC meeting is March 9/17 4 pm. and the next two TAG meetings are February 2 & 16/17 at 6:30 pm. all in Woolwich Council Chambers.