Sludge Watch ==> Ontario - West Lincoln Aldermen show concern for health re paper sludge dumping

[maureen.reilly at sympatico.ca]

West Lincoln aldermen show concern for health threat posed by dumping



Joanne McDonald

Aug 25, 2006


WEST LINCOLN -- West Lincoln aldermen have joined a call from the Town of
Pelham for a moratorium on the dumping of any paper sludge until the
province implements recommendations from its own expert panel to ensure the
protection of human health and safety.

Planning committee members this week endorsed the resolution to ban dumping
of "Sound-Sorb" or any other paper sludge or similar product or byproduct,
including PCBs, anywhere within its municipal boundaries.

Pelham wants action by the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of
Health to take all steps necessary to protect residents' health and safety.

The town wants recommendations enforced that these products be controlled by
Ministry Certificates of Approval.

"The MOE has to take a stand," West Lincoln Alderman Norm Johnson said at
the meeting.

Alderman Mike Rehner called on the ministry "to respect the expert panel's
findings and do their job".

The head of a citizen's group has West Lincoln's support in opposing the
growing pile of sludge in Pelham.

Randy Desnoyers, spokesperson for Sludge Tacklers of Pelham (STOP), brought
Fenwick residents' opposition to a recent West Lincoln council meeting.

He outlined health and safety concerns around the sound attenuation berm
using Sound-Sorb, at 325 Church Street in Fenwick, asking for support in the
call for tougher ministry regulations.

Desnoyers said the operation has caused noise, dust, health and
environmental concerns to the residents, including leaching of a liquid from
the property into adjacent water courses and ditches, causing concern for
the contamination of the ground water.