As a new resident of Sault…

As a new resident of Sault Ste. Marie, I have noticed that compared with other cities I have lived in in Canada and abroad, that the chemicals expelled by the Algoma Steel mill are noticeable both visually and in an olfactory way. When the wind blows in the right direction, fumes from the coke ovens can be noticed throughout the city. I am no expert; however I assume that this is a result of the lenient site-specific standards that are in place for particulate matter and VOC's such as benzene and similar harmful compounds produced during the steel production process. I understand that the local economy and many jobs rely on this industry for their livelihoods, but with the technology we have available for cleaner fabrication processes provides a means to mitigate health risks of local residents. Sault Ste. Marie already has the highest incidence of cancers in Ontario, and the pollution from steel fabrication plants have been linked to Acute Myeloid Leukemia. I support this amendment if and only if its goal aligns with the transition to electric arc furnace usage and increased air treatment plants. The ERO posting is not entirely clear about the particular amendments of Algoma Steel Inc.