Check must be made for toxic substances

To the Editor:

Lafarge’s $830,000 investment to install emissions-monitoring systems does not allow for testing of cancercausing pollutants (chlorinated dioxins, dibenzofurans, polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons and NDMA) or heavy metals.

These toxic substances should be tested for now and constantly monitored if the ‘project’ to burn tires is approved.

Before the ‘project’ is approved, the impact of the tire-burning effects on the air, land, water and health need to be properly assessed.

But, why the experiment? If the Department of Environment (DOE) is considering industrial approval, DOE should first commission an independent study of the effect of burning whole vs. shredded tires on the environment.

When whole tires were added to Lafarge’s sister plant in Saint-constant, Que., NPRI (National Pollution Release Inventory) recorded emission increases (Cadmium 3,064 per cent, Chromium 609 per cent, Lead 141 per cent to name a few).

Why was the money not spent on upgrades to the old plant to improve pollution controls; on operations that would allow for the burning of shredded, not whole tires?

If Lafarge is going to burn tires, European cement plants with modern technology should be studied to find out how to remodel the old Brookfield plant to use tire-derived fuel properly.

Department of the Environment (DOE) needs to do its homework. Has DOE forgotten that we pay $3.50/passenger tire to have it recycled?

Has DOE forgotten that there is a valid recycling local industry in our province that recycles our tires? Will the government consider what matters or will they bend corporate interests? Lydia Sorflaten,

Shortts Lake

Spokesperson for

Citizens Against Burning of Tires