Hi, I attended the…

Hi,

I attended the information session held by Ash Grove back in November. I've explored the issue over the past few weeks and have come to the understanding that the emissions levels that Ash Grove is requesting to emit for the next 7-10 years, are not benign. I'm concerned about the idea of such a lengthy extension with rates of emissions that are far exceeding the new Ministry guidelines. My biggest concern is the fact that the emissions are still multiple times over toxic levels.

The data presented by Ash Grove at their meeting was misleading. At one point a representative told me that the meeting was to show the public how good of a job Ash Grove is doing to improve their emissions and meet targets. The representative wouldn't even clearly describe the situation even though there is clearly a problem. This was my first personal encounter with the company and it has not left a reliable impression.

I would like to find out more information about how Ash Grove’s emissions will be monitored. It cannot be Ash Grove or a consultant, I really hope that you can monitor the emissions. How many stacks are being monitored? Who is monitoring the emissions? How often?

A concern I had at the meeting which Ash Grove hosted, is that they didn't share a proper plan of action to improve their emissions. At a follow-up meeting with community representatives, we collectively agreed that the plan was incomplete and vague. How can the meeting they had even count if they don’t have very specific plans in place outlining how they will meet the new targets if they are given an additional 7-10 years? If Ash Grove has no solid/outlined plan, what information is being used by the MOE to determine whether they are allowed to continue with these high emissions for another 7-10 years? What plans has Ash Grove communicated to you regarding their intentions to improve their air purification systems so they can meet the new standards (or at least dip below toxic) in 7-10 more years?

I have more questions:
Has the Ministry or Ash Grove had independent studies done to determine safe levels of those substances in the air and understand exactly how these particles will move through the surrounding neighbourhoods?
Can Ash Grove provide case studies/data from other companies who have changed their emissions to meet standards that are similar to the new standards proposed in Ontario?
What studies have been examined to understand the local impacts if Ash Grove is permitted to emit toxins at these high levels?
What are the impacts of these chemicals, when they are emitted at the levels which Ash Grove intends to continue emitting, on the development of babies, young children, youth, adults?
What are the impacts of these chemicals, at levels above toxic, on the natural environment and local biodiversity?

I have attached some research studies that have been completed within Canada to support the fact that these emissions are not benign to people or the environment.

Thanks for your time