Well I'll just bet that that is exactly what they are doing. Kudos to reporter Terry Pender however for interviewing more than just housing developers for this story (Housing developers look for solution to Waterloo Region water crisis). The developers (Vive Development, Thomasfield Homes) are suggesting that the problem is not an environmental one but an engineering one. In fact Vive actually suggested a management finagle to allow development to continue now prior to solving the water supply problems. A hint to both the public and most especially to Woolwich Township and the Region of Waterloo: developers are not obligated to the public interest, they are obligated to their shareholders making money i.e. a private interest.
Mr. Pender interviewed a gentleman from Environmental Defence. This person, a Mr. Marcolongo seems to make sense when he insists that it is an environmental issue as the water level in at least one of the aquifers involved is lower than it should be. Mr. Marcolongo is based in the Guelph area and while I don't question his credentials or integrity I will point out that Guelph is NOT part of Waterloo Region and I wonder exactly what his knowledge base is regarding specifics of Waterloo Region's water supply and treatment. For example does he know how many wells are in each city and township and where they are located much less which aquifers they are screened in? There aren't too many who do although one of them is right here in Elmira. I have read cover to cover all the Region of Waterloo Annual (drinking) Water Reports for many years which also include by the way which treatment systems are being used.
The K-W Record have burned some bridges recently by refusing to make corrections on their very extensive November 15/25 article regarding the failed cleanup of the Elmira Aquifers. I have lost significant confidence in their integrity and commitment to accurate reporting. Nevertheless I am not aware of any other single individual unencumbered by wages or salary to developers, polluters or governments who has my both specific knowledge regarding Elmira/Woolwich ground and surface water as well as general knowledge of the water supply throughout the Region of Waterloo. Of course with local political idjits like Sandy and Nathan who put appearances first and knowledge and willingness to assist dead last; chances of excellent local media reporting are vastly decreased.
The Region of Waterloo have been doing exactly what the developers want for decades. They have "managed" various water crises and contaminations versus actually cleaning them up properly. They have consistently understated the enormity of groundwater pollution as well as avoided ever pointing fingers at the culprits whether large or small corporations. There has been a tremendous laissey faire attitude towards even the worst or repeat offenders. Development continued up to and past the shut down south wellfield (E7, E9) in Elmira many years ago. What a message that sent.
Who you ask for advice can be far more important than what the advice is. Also who is paying the advice giver is a huge matter despite self-serving and biased politicians who deny that. "Client driven" consultants do not wear hats telling us this.
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