I noticed that the Suspended…

I noticed that the Suspended Particulate Matter for Stelco expires on the 31 December 2020. The last day of commenting for this Proposal is December 14, 2020. This does not seem like a reasonable amount of time to consider all the comments to this proposal from the public regarding changes or amendments to your proposal.

I noticed the Ministry is not proposing an update to the action plans for Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM). I ask that a reduction update to the action plans for SPM is included in the extension. Dofasco’s limits for SPM have been at the same level for 10 years. We need constant improvements and we need the Ministry to prescribe that in writing to the industry. It’s time to reduce the limit from 177 ug/m3 to something closer to the Reg. 419 limit of 120 ug/m3. This is ridiculous. At least make it seem like you actually care and look at a reduction to at least 165-170 ug/m3. Any reduction is better than the status quo.

Another issue I have with SPM is that it’s combined. It would be nice to see a breakdown of PM10 and PM2.5 in limits. Surely enough data exists regarding the two sizes of the particulate & it’s health effects to be able to do this. Combining them is outdated. Three of the HAMN monitor stations collect data regarding PM2.5 and 7 of them collect data on PM10 not mentioning monitors on the industry site that you have access to. http://newreporting.hamnair.ca

I am asking you to update the action plan regarding making the levels for Benzene in the SSS more stringent. This known carcinogen in present in high concentrations in Hamilton as per the Ministry’s Cumulative study. The dangers are great and a concern to all that live in the yellow and purple zone that stretches from Hamilton to Burlington to Stoney Creek and Dundas. I would like to see another reduction for the period of Jan 2021 to Jun 2023. It’s been 5 years that the level of this contaminant was brought down to 10 ug/m3 from 11.1 ug/m3, it’s time to take another step to get closer to the 0.45 ug/m3 goal of Reg. 419 limit. https://www.ontario.ca/.../pre-submission-requirements...
Again, even a token reduction to 9 ug/m3 would at least show you are willing to head in the right direction.

Since the SSS for Benzene and Manganese does not expire until June 2021, can the Ministry takes more time than Dec 31, 2020 to consider making the limits LOWER for Benzene?

I would like confirmation from the Ministry that the community liaison committees (CLC) continue during the extension of the SSS. We, as a community need regular updates to see the progress of the industry to meet the limits and that they communicate the quarterly reports to the CLC. This is really important because these are harmful chemicals and we should have a right to know what is happening.

I have considered numerous times about moving out of Hamilton and southern Ontario all together just to try to get as far away from these carcinogenic pollutants as I can. I clean my front porch furniture at least once a week and sometimes the stench in the air is enough to keep me indoors with my windows shut many a summer day. While things have indeed changed for the better since the 1990s when I first came to Hamilton, it shouldn't be up to the public to have to file a complaint to the MOE every time there is a sighting of pollution streaming into the air or a smell so rancid it makes you want to gag. Take responsibility for your actions and show leadership in your industry by showing you truly care for the health of the environment and people living in the Hamilton-Burlington area.