WOOLWICH'S 34 YEAR METHANE COVERUP COMES TO AN END

Thank you Woolwich Observer for bringing this public interest story to your readers' attention. Both on the front page titled "Elevated methane levels at former Elmira landfill don't extend to nearby residents" and in your Editorial titled "History of the area puts microscope on methane issue" you have done both your civic duty as well as your journalistic duty. Despite my kudos you know I do however have to correct a few errors (serious) in your story and Editorial.

First the good news. The public and nearby residents now know that there are "Elevated levels of methane at the former municipal landfill site...". This of course refers to the Bolender Park Landfill located approximately north of the current park & playground and west of High St. and George St.. Residents also know that the methane concerns are serious enough that remediation is being planned to dissipate the methane at the west end of the landfill near 86 Auto recycling and the Township are offering to do indoor air monitoring for homes on High St. and George St.. This is all a major heads up to the wise in the neighbourhood. Those folks will go out and purchase their own methane warning alarms for their basements. I've been advised that they are available at Home Depot in K-W and also at various Canadian Tire stores.

Now the bad news. Contrary to Woolwich's claims and the Observer's story and headline; in fact elevated methane levels do and have extended to at a minimum the property line between the Landfill and nearby homes. Of course zero testing to date has been done either in the basements of the homes or on their property and if Woolwich Township have their way this will never happen until or unless there is a bang in the night. Then exactly like 1989, Woolwich, the Region, the Ministry of Environment and every other "authority" will all wring their hands and say "Oh my God we had no idea!". It was bullshit then and it will be bullshit now.

Secondly contrary to the Observer's Editorial the problem is not largely contained to the west side of the landfill near 86 Auto Recycling. The problem is not contained whatsoever in any part of the Landfill. Finally near the end of their Editorial the Observer states "The Township's position, backed by studies, is that the methane poses no threat to residents, most of it contained to the wrecking yard.". I've read those studies. The Observer have not. Those ten studies indicate horrific levels of methane gas, above the criteria of 20% LEL (Lower Explosive Limit) on the west, north and east side of the Landfill at various times and seasons. 2008 and 2010 (twice each) had these high levels nearest High St. which is exactly why the consultants, Conestoga Rovers, recommended that the Township do indoor monitoring at the nearest High St. home in 2009. The Township appear to have done nothing over the next five years until new monitors gave them zero readings in 2015 and 2016. Zero readings today can and have been both preceded and followed by explosive levels tomorrow.

Woolwich the cat is out of the bag. Is it incompetence, is it face saving or is it corruption? I don't know yet why you are again covering up the truth but it will come out.