I am writing to you in hope…

I am writing to you in hope that this below the water table can be stopped. First of all Strada has never done a below water table blast so this is trial and error for them. This water table affects all the wells in a very large area. Blasting below the water table produces incalculable risks to the supply of pure local water that is essential for our personal use and for the agriculture on which we all depend. As Melancthon is the headwaters for three major river systems, contamination will flow in all directions to neighbouring communities and water systems.

Health and Safety Risks: Health and Safety Risks: Blasting at quarries produces hazardous silica dust and airborne pollutants, posing severe respiratory risks to all residents, workers, and children. The noise, vibrations and fly rock from blasting threaten the safety of everyone outside as well as the calm we now enjoy. Melancthon is a large agriculture area and we supply essential foods to across the province. Without knowing what is landing on the fields, no one should be eating this product and this will affect all of Ontario.

In speaking with Strada, they have no plan for air testing. We were told if they see dust they will look into it. That is way to late to protect our environment.

We were told that the blast will affect many residence in the area and they are not worried about the foundations but could affect framework and drywall etc.

They are only planning on testing the water every 6 month or so, we could be all poisoned by this time.

Our community highly objects to this below the water table blasting project as there are way too many unknowns and no plan in affect. The fact that the original hydrologist was fired speaks volumes to what is wrong with this plan and how it will affect the community.

There is no plan for the amount of higher traffic (60 trucks 2 way/hour). Absolutely no consultation with the MTO or Community.

Following is one of the this we were told at the strada community meeting: Something I found interesting was when I spoke to the blasting rep. He indicated that sediment would probably be shaking up in peoples wells after each blast but would return to normal within a half hour and that for windows to shake within a 2 kilometer radius after a blast is not uncommon. He also said that blasting could happen 2 to 4 times a week. Just think what all that sediment could do to your pump that's in the well!

I