LAST EVENINGS PUBLIC CPAC MEETING

Well it didn't have the earthshaking revelations of the November 1/12 meeting but nevertheless was quite interesting and informative. I started the ball rolling with my Delegation which focused on the difference between private citizens presenting research and data versus bought and paid for professionals representing the polluter or proponent in the case for example of a quarry. I also emphasized that private citizens do not hide behind wimpy, deceptive Limitations clauses as does the Ontario Ministry of the Environment.

Chemtura advised us that they will be removing more buried drums from their south-west corner (M2). Jeff Merriman also suggested that they were mainly "carcasses" as the contents (liquid) were long gone into the natural environment. Allegedly Chemtura remove contamination as they stumble across it but refuse to do more on their site. The M.O.E. are fine with that while the citizens are not.

CPAC member Ron Campbell appropriately took umbrage with a claim in Chemtura's "Plant Activities Summary" which stated that Conestoga Rovers 5 year computer model "...confirmed that the 2028 target is attainable, with the addition of new extraction wells and increased system flowrates." Odd, no mention of their suggested In -Situ Chemical Oxidation. Also odd in that this same model predicted that the old vastly lesser pump and treat system would also achieve drinking water standards by 2028. Who knows what their next "update" is going to claim.

Steve Quigley of CRA gave an interesting demonstration regarding their computerized 3-D hydrogeologic model. Although certainly not a physical , literally 3-Dimensional model; it was very interesting and probably will be of assistance in understanding the big picture hydrogeologically. There was a somewhat bizarre interchange at the end of Steve's presentation with Susan Bryant who has started attending occasional CPAC meetings. Ron Campbell politely asked Steve how long CRA had had this capability ie. 3-D model. Steve turned right around towards the back of the room and asked Susan Bryant to respond. She immediately and unhesitatingly stated "a long time". Steve then elaborated and I believe he told Ron Campbell, twelve to fourteen years. He also advised the room that Susan Bryant had "assisted" with its development. Now Susan's area of expertise is English literature and probably editing etc.. Technically I can not imagine her having anything whatsoever with which to "assist" Conestoga Rovers. Then when Steve was taking "orders" for copies of the flash drives (USB's?) to be distributed, Chair Dr. Dan Holt asked Susan if she would like one, to which she replied no she already had it. There are a multitude of possible interpretations for this information but I do know that years ago I was discussing with Susan the necessity of getting rid of the extremely client driven CRA, possibly at the same time that she unknown to me and others was "assisting" them.

Dr. Dan Holt advised CPAC that *Responsible Care were meeting this Tuesday to begin discussions around Chemtura becoming "verified" again. They failed a year ago and were supposed to have this process going months ago. In the Public Forum part of the CPAC meeting I advised CPAC that promises were wind and that Chemtura's history was filled with broken promises and therefore they should not receive "verification" based upon them. I also reminded CPAC of Chemtura's refusal to take CPAC's advice for a better cleanup of the Dioxins and DDT in their south-east corner, namely GP1 and GP2.

The Soil Water Air Technolgy (SWAT) Chair, Ron Campbell advised CPAC, the M.O.E. and Chemtura of problems, questions and issues they forsee with tripling the volumes of off-site pumping as suggested by CRA. Dr. Dan also made a formal CPAC request for additional funds for peer review purposes from Chemtura. Not surprisingly this was refused as the last thing they or the M.O.E. want is any kind of a level playing field whereby citizens can professionally refute the junk science provided by Chemtura's consultants.

Finally Chair Dan advised CPAC and all parties that he and CPAC would be presenting an update to Woolwich Council on Tuesday December 11, 2012. This is an excellent opportunity for the public to get up to speed as to the ongoing challenges and battles that CPAC are facing.

CPAC MEETING TONITE AT 6 PM. IN WOOLWICH COUNCIL CHAMBERS

Tonite's Chemtura Public Advisory Committee (CPAC) will probably be the last one for 2012 and an absolutely remarkable year it has been. CPAC has been ably Chaired since the spring by Dr. Dan Holt much to the discontent of both Chemtura and the Ministry of the Environment (M.O.E.). Apparently they believe that criticism, no matter how much deserved, should always be applied via soft, soothing, repectful supplicants only. Afterall Chemtura and the M.O.E. have the most money, resources and bought and paid for professionals at their beck and call; hence it is beneath their dignity to be called upon the carpet by mere citizens as if they were nothing more than dirty polluters and liars.

Chairman Dan will as always attempt to be fair, openminded and abide by the rules which include significant public input, albeit through the Chair. The level of distrust and hostility will be muted as all parties are putting on a bit of a show for the media and any public present. Count on Chemtura to be surrounded by supporters and fellow travellors including the Sussex Group, Conestoga Rovers and Ontario M.O.E..

Tonite's agenda will include a presentation on a 3-D Aquifer Model as well as discussion by CPAC on the unacceptable proposed cleanup of GP1 & GP2. Too many Dioxins and DDT are being left behind. CPAC will also present a financial request for funding of peer review studies of Conestoga Rovers work. While CPAC are too diplomatic to suggest that CRA are client driven and their reports reflect it; I am not. CPAC will also advise all parties of their intent to make a Presentation to Woolwich Council on December 11/12. Finally Soil Water Air Technical (SWAT), a sub-committee of CPAC, will respond to CRA's presentation last month regarding enhanced off-site cleanup proposals.

Elmira and Woolwich citizens you are being well represented by the young CPAC. That being said, they need your involvement and presence. Whether you are present to listen, criticize or support them, it is important for you to be there. The powers of money, self interest and politics never rest and are trying to undermine this renewed effort by the young CPAC to get Elmira's water restored. Even with these new promises and proposals the 2028 deadline is extremely unlikely. You can help assure that these promises are met by incredibly unreliable parties including your own provincial government representatives.

UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE FALL

Politics is a four letter word, two times over. It is a contemptible practice fortunately of only one species on this planet. I expect that the day after human beings were conversing more or less intelligently; one of them realized that by careful manipulation of words they could for their own benefit, deceive another.

Almost all repressive and regressive legislation is written with flowery words to hide its' true intent. Even the titles of various pieces of legislation are incredibly hypocritical. The provincial Liberals Bill 115, known as "The Putting Students First" Act is one such example. The Liberals sold the education farm repeatedly to both the School Boards and the teachers' unions for one purpose only and that was votes. Now public opinion has inevitably turned against paying public employees far more than the rest of us can ever hope to earn. So the liberals are hammering the teachers' unions with Bill 115. "Putting Students First" should be renamed more honestly as "Putting the Liberal Party first".

Last Saturday's Waterloo Region Record advises us that the proposed mega quarry in Melancthon Township has been defeated. The title is "Bittersweet victory leaves its mark" written by Jessica McDiarmid. The article does emphasize that residents were divided on the project especially those who had sold their farms and those who wanted the potential jobs. The sheer size of the project garnered the attention of people throughout Ontario and especially those communities whose water supply originates in the highlands of the area. This would include the source of the Grand River as well as the Nottawasaga and others.

For me I wish this article had mentioned the political moves that went on. It is my understanding that the local Council did not support the project and indeed had looked for support from other municipalities through the AMO (Assoc'n of Municipalities of Ontario). That was crucial. Far too often we see local Councils promising transparency and accountability and then doing the deed in the dark of the night, out of sight and unaccountable. Right now Woolwich Township still have numerous environmentally unsound proposals before them. They have promised to support their local citizens and yet while I heard major community criticism against the Jigs Hollow Pit and virtually zero local Woolwich residents in favour of it; three Council members did the deed. They gave their approval to a Settlement Agreement which included an unmonitored and unsupervised recyling program for asphalt and concrete. Politics and democracy failed again.

JIGS HOLLOW PIT HEARING PACKED

Woolwich Council Chambers were packed yesterday morning to watch the Ontario Municipal Board demonstrate their inherent pro aggregate bias. Whether it's the legislation, the overeliance on bought and paid for "experts" or the particular individuals involved; it wasn't a pretty picture. Once again the informed citizens who do not want this gravel pit located near their homes, schools and beside the Grand River came prepared and informed. Their presentations dealt with numerous weaknesses of the proponent's case as well as downright omissions. They were cross-examined by the lawyer for Preston Sand & Gravel and quite frankly the citizens came off looking like the professionals and the lawyer looking like a shyster. If this had been an honest process the Jigs Hollow Pit would be dead in the water. If Woolwich Council and staff had stuck to their guns the Board Chair wouldn't have had a leg to stand on.

Three Woolwich Council members can and undoubtedly will chirp about the interests of the whole Woolwich community. Apparently saving all taxpayers money by screwing the interests of the minority is how three Council members define community interests. Apparently throwing the interests of the Friends of the Winterbourne Valley and the sixty plus citizens who came out yesterday morning, out the window, somehow is in everybody's best interests. That is nothing but political crap. Mayor Cowan, Mark Bauman and Julie Anne Herteis have screwed up big time. The Mayor has made campaign promises and now he is reneging on them. Bio-En was bad and this is worse.

Environmentally there are two gravel pits to go namely West Montrose and the Hunder pit in Conestogo. Lesson number one these citizens will have learned is this. Yes being a party at an OMB hearing is expensive but at least you aren't so likely to be betrayed and backstabbed by your own elected representatives. Therefore party staus is mandatory which of course requires extensive fundraising beforehand. Why do you think the OMB, the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) and the aggregate industry have been so sucessful at these hearings? Add to this the costs of expert witnesses to counteract the industries bought and paid for "experts". This Board like most honesty challenged ones will "weigh" evidence higher from bought and paid for professionals than from honest, informed citizens. Shame on them.

Councillor Bryant has demonstrated her integrity. Councillor Poffenroth was on holidays and his vote wouldn't have changed things. I was backstabbed by the Mayor more than a year and a half ago and I've been trying very hard not to be biased since because I've seen good things from this Council in regards to the Chemtura Public Advisory Committee. I now fully expect three members of this Council to continue to look out for their interests at the expense of what is right and at the expense of the community. That means that any citizens, even those appointed by Council to committees such as CPAC, had better watch their backs. This Council have in my opinion officially burned their good will as well as their own credibility.

TREATING THE HERITAGE GRAND RIVER TO SEWAGE

This is the dirty little secret that politicians, developers and immigration proponents prefer to hide. Growth degrades the environment. This planet is overpopulated now. Despite this, because a few people can make lots of money by constantly expanding our population; the rest of us (and the environment) pays the price. It's a vicious circle and it's been out of control in Canada since the Second World War. Under the guise of "humanitarianism" this country has literally been flooding our streets with more and more people. Yes they are consumers. Yes they purchase cars, homes and all the accoutrements of the good life. They have helped expand the domestic canadian market exponentially. To what avail? Most of our manufacturing jobs have left to the very same low wage countries that these people came from in the first place. The rest of the world is still and always will be a much larger market. These manufacturing jobs have fled to bastions of progressiveness such as Bangladesh. Saturday's Record advises us that 112 people have died in a factory fire there.

On average once a week there is a spill or bypass of partially treated sewage into the Grand River. I've got news for regional planners and politicians. Do you think that even fully treated sewage is good for the river? Are you nuts? This heritage river allegedly is getting cleaner with more fishing, possible swimming and river view properties at a premium. Meanwhile due to both sheer volumes of sewage multiplied by greater and larger storm events the Galt STP has spilled or bypassed sixteen times this year. Do you really want your kids swimming downstream from there? These storm events, wait for it, are also caused by man made sources. Again too many people pursuing an unsustainable lifestyle on too small a world. Spreading them out won't solve the problem. Fewer births than deaths over the long term will.

There have been 296 sewage discharges since 2007 of which 186 are accidental spills and 110 are deliberate bypasses of treatment when the plants have been overloaded. In order of shame by number of discharges is Guelph first, Galt second and yes ELMIRA third. There is lots of blame to go around from federal officials and too much population growth too quickly to municipal officials not maintaining a strict separation of rainwater from the sanitary (sewage) sewers going to the Sewage Treatment Plants. Last Saturday's Waterloo Region Record gives us all the gory details: "Sewage spills a struggle for region". As bad as it is for the natural environment here can you imagine being 100% dependent on the Grand River for drinking water as the City of Brantford is ? Gee you don't suppose health issues there including much higher than average incidences of various cancers are relevant do you?

LAST FAINT HOPE TO STOP JIGS HOLLOW PIT THIS MONDAY MORNING

Today's Woolwich Observer carrys this story "Bryant lone councillor to vote against gravel pit deal". I will make the following admission. Over two years ago when the three biggest pit proposals were coming forward I thought that West Montrose had the best shot at sucessfully stopping their pit and that the Jigs Hollow Pit unfortunately was the most likely to proceed. Keep in mind this was before professional presentation after professional presentation put on by Laurie Breed, Lynne Hare and Jan Huisson; all representing the Friends of the Winterbourne Valley. Other speakers including from Conestogo's Golf Course subdivision came out to speak against this proposed pit ruining their view of the beautiful Winterbourne valley.

Further testimony to the level of community anger against Woolwich Council's Decision was demonstrated by the public protest, outside the Woolwich Arena last Tuesday night. Councillors in this Observer story are sticking to their guns and Councillor Bauman suggested "There's an illusion out there that township council can stop gravel pits". Oh boy is that an out or a veiled hint that perhaps someone (Mayor Cowan?) made some overeaching campaign promises? I'll be blunt here. If this Council doesn't pick up its' socks and fight to the death for residents from here on out, I expect that this whole Council will be out in two years time.

Quoting the Observer "Five residents given participant status will have a chance to make their case when the hearing resumes Monday at 10 am.". I respectfully suggest that they show up with their guns loaded for bear AND as much support along with them as is possible.

CPAC NEXT THURSDAY & JIGS HOLLOW PIT UNANSWERED QUESTIONS

Next Thursday evening at 6 pm. in Council Chambers, Woolwich Township's Chemtura Public Advisory Committee (CPAC) will be holding their public monthly evening meeting. At present CPAC seem to be unearthing an astounding array of neverending revelations relating to past, well hidden information. From the sale of the NORTH wellfield to the discovery years ago of off-site free phase DNAPL, namely mercaptobenzothiazole on the Yara (Nutrite) site, the pieces are slowly coming together. Recent revelations that the Region will be unable to use Elmira groundwater until at least 2050 regardless of whether it's allegedly clean by 2028 are stunning. Off-site source removal is now on Chemtura's Agenda a mere two decades after myself and others were demanding on-site source removal. Back then we were lied to about the existence of serious off-site contamination including Varnicolor Chemical, Nutrite, gas stations and others.

Yesterday's Elmira Independent carrys this article "Settlement reached on Jigs Hollow pit". The Ontario Muncicpal Board are recessed on the matter until this Monday, I believe at 10 am. in Woolwich Council chambers. That is when residents and citizens will have an opportunity to address the Board. A number of local residents had participant status at these discussions and I think they may have learned a hard lesson. On Monday we will learn whether or not they feel they were sold out by the Township or not. Meanwhile in the Independent Mayor Cowan is quoted as saying that Council
balanced "...the interests of the entire Woolwich community,". My concern is if that balancing is simply a dollar and cents "balancing". In other words it would be very easy, as in the past, for Council to roll over everytime they are faced with provincial opposition. In the long run they were elected to support the interests of Woolwich residents and yes there is a cost involved.

To me there is an astounding admission in today's Waterloo Region Record regarding this pit and other upcoming Woolwich pits. The Record's Editorial is titled "No quarry but lots of questions". While this is in reference to the proposed mega quarry near Shelbourne being scrapped, Woolwich Township is mentioned namely: "Maybe some of that aggregate will be extracted from gravel pits in Waterloo Region, in Woolwich Township, for instance, where residents have fought to block such operations but are probably not as well connected and affluent as some of the Torontonians who own land in Dufferin County and opposed the mega-quarry there."

Oh my but that is appalling. The Record's Editorial writers are admitting that right and wrong and "...balancing of interests..." is mere drivel and hooey. It's all about raw power, money and political connections. A couple of years ago plus I warned the old Woolwich Council to either get on board with their citizens in opposition to these pits or else to get out of town. Most of them are gone and the current batch of Councillors have now got the same warning.