We are multi-generational…

We are multi-generational full time residents on the Goulais River for the last 45 years with our next generations raising their families on the Goulais for many more years to come. This is where we live, swim, fish, boat - from small children to elderly. Many residents draw their water from the river. The Goulais River is home to wildlife which not only enhance the beauty but are consumed by humans. The thought that a private, for profit business should be allowed to dispose of their waste into this delicate ecosystem should never be a consideration. The risk is way too high. Who will hold this private business accountable for maintenance and reporting of issues? What happens when this system requires repairs and maintenance that the owners can't afford? What happens if this business goes bankrupt or changes ownership? Who will be held responsible for the potential contamination once it is too late? This waste will travel for hundreds of kilometers depositing itself along the way. While I support Searchmont's goals of expanding their operations, let's be clear that they are doing it for profit. It cannot be at the cost of clean water and maintaining a balanced ecosystem. I see permits on this site for Searchmont to draw water from the Goulais so it would make a lot of sense for them to recirculate their treated wastewater back in to their facilities. If this isn't an option, perhaps it is not as safe as they say. The Goulais River is not for sale and residents of this community and province will not stand for our natural resources being sold off, especially to a US company who has no stake in protecting our land.