THE WATERLOO REGION RECORD CONTINUES TO EXPOSE LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL MYTHS

Well done again and again to the Record. Twice this week they have pricked the balloon of environmental superiority often displayed by our local authoities. On Monday it was a discription of toxic sediments (dioxins) 28 times higher than the federal criteria in a drain/creek discharging into the Canagagigue Creek which in turn discharges into our nationally designated Heritage River, the Grand. Today it is a reminder that simply stocking the Upper Grand with brown trout every year does not guarantee that the river water is clean enough to support these fish through their normal lifespans. There are ongoing issues requiring improved sewage treatment prior to discharge to the Grand River as well as keeping development away from the river hence lessening erosion and allowing both cooling and water absortion by trees and vegetation on the river banks and along the river. ................................................................................................................................... Money talks and always has, very loudly. Hence our political system has long been captured by the wealthy and powerful who then use that political power to reduce encumbrances on their ability to constantly make more money. These encumbrances specifically include environmental protections that may either slow or lessen the money spigot for developers, manufacturers and others. Deregulation is the favourite term of those on the right of the political spectrum. They would like a return to the good old days when local rivers stank, were discoloured and even filled with soapsuds (phosphates). The idea that they should be financially and morally responsible for their own waste waters and solids is foreign to them. ..................................................................................................... I advise readers and the general public to watch carefully how our authorities respond. I expect more lip service and throwing out of catchwords like "world class" fisheries. Wouldn't it be nice as well as healthier if instead of words they actually spent more both on improved cleanup research as well as on proven wastewater treatment?