"PINK SPILL" STILL TOP OF THE AGENDA

Bob Burtt's September 12, 2000 article in the K-W Record once again focused on the "pink spill" of toluene that flooded the Elmira Sewage Treatment Plant the previous February. Dr. Henry Regier was all over it. He stated at UPAC "I saw different agencies who looked like they were scurrying for cover and controlling information.". "I'd like to know what happened, when, what the response was and if we can confidently say there was no impact on health or environment.".

In the September 15, 2000 Elmira Independent article by Julie Sawyer we were told that both the Region of Waterloo and the Ontario M.O.E. were still chasing Uniroyal for compensation. The Region felt that their costs were $90,000 in regards to work needed at the Elmira STP. At UPAC I had asked the M.O.E. if anyone other than Uniroyal were being investigated in regards to the incident. David Ireland of the M.O.E. confirmed that only Uniroyal were being investigated.

In the October 6, 2000 Elmira Independent there was discussion around Uniroyal's "Worst Case Scenario". Uniroyal (David Ash) advised that "A few years ago ammonia would not have been on the of the list.". "Chemicals we used to use but no longer do would have had a much worse impact.". Again at this UPAC (Uniroyal Public Advisory Committee) meeting I asked what about chlorine useage. David Ash responded "There is no chlorine on the site anymore. It would have been the worst case if it were still in use.".

This was not reassuring after the chlorine release into Elmira's air that had already occurred on March 12, 1994.