During the public consultations about the incinerator in Clarington I fulminated a fair amount through this blog. I encouraged our folk to attend those meetings and a number did. They got involved, including Dr. Deb Jefferson, who became an outspoken representative from the medical community. From my standpoint our efforts were faith in action, a desire for whole earth justice.
Sadly, the concerns expressed and facts presented fell on deaf ears and the project was approved. Even though we heard that Covanta, the company chosen to build and maintain the incinerator, had a lousy environmental record, it was chosen. Many of us were frustrated that later the newly elected mayor and council did little to resist this decision (sorry Adrian.)
Did any of you see that Covanta is in trouble in British Columbia for dumping 1800 tonnes of toxic ash near a rural community? Toxic ash. Joe and Jill Public in Clarington didn't seem to get it that incinerators produce toxic ash and that it has to go somewhere. And somewhere is somewhere. Near homes perhaps and atop water tables. Nowhere doesn't exist.
Apparently Mayor Foster and council have sent a letter to Covanta expressing awareness and concern,which is good, but the company can't be "fired" now. We will just wait for our turn.
Where is a decent raging prophet when we need one? I suppose we didn't listen to the ones we had.
What are your thoughts about this?
Having dealt with respitory issues for years, I have already spent many a day looking at summer through a window pane unable to enjoy the outdoors. I find it difficult to fight off the depression that comes with this prolonged confinement. Summers are long and grueling. It's hard for me to believe that anyone in their right mind would vote yes to an incinerator. I can't imagine how small children in my position will deal with indoor summer after indoor summer. It's just sad. It isn't just the direct discomfort of these health issues that we will be dealing with. Children need to experiene nature, and many will not be able to do so under these new circumstances. How sad to have a ravine at your doorstep and not be able to experience it's magic due to an inability to breathe.
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