Keeping an eye on the incinerator

Dear Editor,

In an article “High test result thrown out,” you were discussing the stack tests on the incinerator and reporting that the levels of furans and dioxins were four times the legal limit. From numerous other reports and from the World Health Organization, we learn that dioxins are one of most toxic chemicals known to mankind, and that they cause cancers, and a list of other horrendous complications including brain damage and damage to the unborn.

In response to the failed tests, our region’s medical officer of health replied, “I have no concerns (about human health)…” is this guy for real? He then goes on to point out that the failed tests “… represent a snapshot of the plant’s operation, and not necessarily what’s happening all the time.”

I agree with that statement, and further suggest that if a failed test is only a snapshot, then so too is a passed test, and it begs the question why can we not have continuous monitoring so that we know what is happening every day, not just two to three times per year. The incinerator is and will be a financial burden on Durham taxpayers for the next 30 years, and, in addition, it will pose a serious health hazard for long after that. If the brain trust at Durham Region continues with this insanity, they should at least impose continuous monitoring so that our citizens know what is going on day-to-day; that is, unless they have something to hide.

Are we to continue to place our trust and health in the hands of politicians, Covanta (with their poor environmental track record), industry lobbyists, and industry paid consultants?

Jim Richards