[All] Fw: Melancthon and Waterloo aggregate issues

Wed Mar 9 03:46:07 EST 2011

--- On Wed, 3/9/11, Louisette Lanteigne <butterflybluelu at rogers.com> wrote:

From: Louisette Lanteigne <butterflybluelu at rogers.com>
Subject: Fw: Melancthon and Waterloo aggregate issues
To: Scarpaleggia.F at parl.gc.ca
Date: Wednesday, March 9, 2011, 3:41 AM

FYI

--- On Wed, 3/9/11, Louisette Lanteigne <butterflybluelu at rogers.com> wrote:

From: Louisette Lanteigne <butterflybluelu at rogers.com>
Subject: Melancthon and Waterloo aggregate issues
To: dmcguinty.mpp.co at liberal.ola.org, ljeffrey.mpp.co at liberal.ola.org, jwilkinson.mpp.co at liberal.ola.org, rbartolucci.mpp at liberal.ola.org, cmitchell.mpp.co at liberal.ola.org
Cc: hhampton-qp at ndp.on.ca, toby.barrett at pc.ola.org, ernie.hardeman at pc.ola.org, bill.murdoch at ontla.ola.org, jerry.ouellette at pc.ola.org, mprue-qp at ndp.on.ca, tabunsp-qp at ndp.on.ca, bill_hill at sympatico.ca, trunorth1849 at rogers.com
Date: Wednesday, March 9, 2011, 3:32 AM

Dear Minister McGuinty and Hon Ministers.

A letter from the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Melancthon to 
Premier McGuinty regarding the Highland Hill Mega Quarry, a project that proposes  a 2,316 acre below the water table limestone quarry in the Township of Melancthon.  This letter has recently been posted on Melancthon's website at this 
link:

http://melancthontownship.ca/aggregateupdate/mcguinty-letter.pdf 

The document contains the following statements: 

"...we feel that her (Minister of 
Natural Resources) comments and lukewarm attention to what was being relayed to 
her...were indicative of the fact that our submission did not interest her 
whatsoever.  In fact, the impression we got, was that the ink was already 
on the rubber stamp." 

“it is too bad that this has split 
your community apart. It is your job to get your community back together, get 
them to think long term about rehabilitation, because his will not be going back 
to agriculture, but maybe you could get a nice golf course.” (Linda Jeffrey, 
Minister of Natural Resource)

In response, I have included the following two power points as seen in the attachments.
The first power point is specific to Melancthon and clearly illustrates that
 this
 proposal for a mega quarry at this location reflects bad planning.
I've also included an informational power point illustrating how similar aggregate concerns are being raised in Waterloo Region as well. 

In my view it is unforgivable to allow the depletion of municipal water resources and A1 farmlands to be exploited in a non renewable manner. If we allow this, it will result in significant externalization of costs for taxpayers to have to replace their pristine water supplies with pipelines to sources that are already at risk. The farmlands being sacrificed have taken generations to establish. 

The
 Environmental Commissioner Gord Miller stated in his annual report that the Provincial Growth Plan was established before the future water and wastewater infrastructure was identified, and their associated costs and environment impacts, were assessed. This clearly indicates that provincial policies, such as the Growth Plan, favor economic development over sustainable planning processes. Not only does the Growth Plan fail to require that population allocations be adjusted for communities with watersheds close to or already at carrying capacity, it favors large-scale infrastructure projects to overcome natural limits.
Minister Jeffrey, to imply that a golf course would be in any way compensate for the destruction of these valuable farmlands and vital water supply is highly disrespectful towards the generations of citizens who call this place home. The comment appears to disregards the dedicated farmers who have been excellent stewards these remarkable lands for generations. The next time you eat Ontario grown foods I sincerely hope you are thankful that we have people in this province who's lives have been dedicated in service to provide such food for the convenience of you and your family, that your life may be free of the burden to have to grow it yourself. At a time when the world's major aquifers are already going dry and farmers struggle to maintain their trade, we should not take these good people or these blessed lands for granted. They
 have supported lives for centuries. 

Ontario residents are demanding long term security of their jobs, their local food and water supplies in order to reasonably assure these key pillars are in place for generations to come. The aggregates are worth a pittance compared to the value of having an established renewable localized food and water supply. We have yet to reasonably quantify the natural capital value of the aggregates, water and farming resources of this area. Whatever the value is consider it in perpetuity. These
 lands have been productive for thousands of years. Until a natural capital value has been placed on the aggregates, water and farmlands  we cannot reasonably plan appropriately. 

Unless you can reasonably protect the function of the aggregates in regards to gathering, transporting water resources, it is irresponsible to peruse this project.  Unless you can replicate the natural flow and flow rates and water quality going into tributaries and lakes, we should not support the unsustainable exploitation of these
 key
 aquifer resources.
Historically, the human need for asphalt roads only stared in the1800's with the use of cars. With light rail systems we could in theory totally circumvent the need for roads. In regards to the human need for food and water, that has lasted for millions of years and since that time these basic resources are still to this day, absolutely irreplaceable. 

We need governance that support the long term pillars of life to protect people and communities above corporate greed and outdated schemes.

The public has awakened to the fact that when corporate priorities over-influence government priorities, democracy crumbles.  On occasion it appears that there are destruction for profit scenarios
 manifesting which utilize flawed Environmental Impact Studies. Often times various experts assume the public won't take notice of the details but we now live in an enlightened society where citizens are taking notice and when that happens, science must reasonably represent the matter based on facts.

 Please do not exceed the natural carrying capacity of the lands and prioritize water source protection and food security above aggregate needs to secure the long term prosperity, food and water security of Ontario. 

Invest in rails to offset roads, recycle aggregates, or explore options of synthetic aggregates which can be produced from a wide diversity of products including sewage sludge, pulverized fuel ash,slag, recycled plastics, recycled glass and other recycled materials as shown here: 
http://www.theconcreteproducer.com/industry-news.asp?sectionID=1419&articleID=554044
 Sludge from wastes can build viable roadways. 
http://www.sciencealert.com.au/news/20091410-19999.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+sciencealert-latestnews+(ScienceAlert-Latest+Stories)
As we divert wastes for aggregate production we reduce dependency on
 landfills. We need to start looking at other options to provide for our aggregate needs in Ontario and stop exploiting our aquifers for short term non renewable fiscal gains.  To save the water and farmlands for the long term, along with the economic systems dependent on these water systems, we must save the aggregates. 

Thank you kindly for your time.
Louisette Lanteigne700 Star Flower Ave.Waterloo Ontario
N2V 2L2
519-885-7619

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