Good morning, I understand…

Good morning, I understand that there was public consultation with employee's of Ash Grove Cement factory. My understanding is as follows: In 2018 the Standards for emission of SO2 and NOx were changed ( lowered) and all companies affected got 5 years to install filters/ scrubbers or other means to reduce the emission of said gases to the new standard. Apparently the standards in the past was based on Companies achievability to to clean the air before emitting. The present standards were created based on the health implication of chemicals released.
Ash Grove Cement factory cannot meet the Standard by the end of 5 year period (December 31st 2023) and is applying for an exemption for another 7 years from now during which time they will, in stages, purchase the necessary equipment to bring the level of emitted gases under the regulated limits as pr the standard. Apparently they will spend over $100mil CDN. The exemption they are asking, is approximately being able to release in the air twice more of one gas and 4 times more of the other gas (SO2 and NOX). NOX could be NO2, NO# etc.
I am strongly opposed to the proposal that Ash Grove Cement is making. They must adhere to the new standards set by the Ministry. There is ample evidence that exposure to (SO2 ) Sulfur dioxide is severely irritating to the eyes, mucous membranes, skin, and respiratory tract. Bronchospasm, pulmonary edema, pneumonitis, and acute airway obstruction can occur. Inhalation exposure to very low concentrations of sulfur dioxide can aggravate chronic pulmonary diseases, such as asthma and emphysema.
The main health effect of nitrogen dioxide is on the respiratory system. Inhalation of nitrogen dioxide by children increases their risk of respiratory infection and may lead to poorer lung function in later life. There is also an association between nitrogen dioxide concentrations in the air and increases in mortality and hospital admissions for respiratory disease. Nitrogen dioxide can decrease the lungs’ defences against bacteria making them more susceptible to infections. It can also aggravate asthma.
Given that we now have COVID as a new health concern which can also directly adversely effect people's respiratory tract, there is more reason to adhere to the Ministry standards as soon as possible.
Conclusion: Since we will not have the chance to vote on this, I am begging the Ministry to reject ASH Grove cement's proposal for the health of the citizens living in and around this area. This is a highly populated place with more and more residential development and NO NEW hospitals or care centres being built in the area. A sudden surge of people having respiratory illnesses because of one company's poor planning and irresponsibility is a huge cost to the taxpayer without any responsibility taken by ASH Grove cement. My understanding is that the Ministry of Environment is there to protect the environment, including the air that effects the citizens of Mississauga. Due diligence has not been met by ASH Grove and frankly, at this point it has not been met by the Ministry since you cannot guarantee the benign effects of this proposal. The only responsible solution is to deny this proposal.