I have resided approximately…

I have resided approximately 5km northwest from Algoma Steel for three (3) years. Prior to moving to this area I was made aware from community members about the effects of residing in close proximity to Algoma Steel. Considering the majority of wind movement in the area is a west or northwest wind, I assumed the effects of any pollution would not impact my home. In the first two (2) years I was mostly correct as the odd smell or dust particle would occasionally appear, however this past year, especially this summer, has been particularly disturbing. More times than I can count I found my garden, patio furniture, deck, vehicle and pool cover coated in some kind of thick grey/black substance. Not to mention the noise pollution that accompanies the physical pollution. In fact on June 18th, 2024, my neighbourhood awoke to being covered in silver-coloured particles (see attached photo) on every inch of our properties. Stuck to our vehicles, coated our vegetable and flower gardens, and decks/patio furniture. This caused an additional amount of work to dispose of the substance, which went into our ditches and groundwater, I had to empty and scrub my pool before refilling it and was still finding particles for the remainder of the summer. I am in support of the transition to the EAF, however the increase in pollution in the past year, and this is just what one can identify with the human eye, must be addressed. I urge the Ministry to think about the impacts and not provide special exemption to simply 'burn off' whatever is remaining. Allowing ASI to simply 'pay a large fine' is not the answer.