The Oxford Coalition for…

The Oxford Coalition for Social Justice asks that the concurrent comment periods for the following EBR numbers be extended to a minimum of 90 days: 012-9852, 012-9850, 012-9849, 012-9848, 012-9845, 012-9843. Given the number of licences involved, given the impact of the operations on the air quality in our area, given the impact of current and proposed land use and haul routes, public interest is high, especially as relate to site licences 2163, but not exclusively to it. While your ministry received over 6 000 comments about a previous attempt to drain the Quarry Lake, and likely some of the expressions of disgust with the MOE's decision to allow the dumping of industrial waste into a habitat supporting fish and other life, the MOE has received 80 425 written submissions via our group and partners, and no doubt more directly. It is then in the public interest that the examination of the license, and planned changes be full and thorough and so, over a much longer period than a mere 30 days. Not only is the site includes an Earth Science ANSI, numerous local witness has seen and photographed eagles around it. The proximity of turtle species which risk extirpation is also a consideration before any such decision might be made. This is a highly vulnerable aquifer and is in close proximity to the Thames River. Any significant alternations of the use or rehabilitation plans for any of the licenses could have cumulative human and environmental health impacts and so require a detailed analysis by MNRF staff, independent consultants and citizen scientists. We are aware of the importance of Oxford County, and these sites in it, to recharging our water table, a study which scientists have recently told us requires more thought than previously was the case. Recharge is much slower than predicted. How will the modifications affect recharge rates? This is not addressed in the EBR posting In fact, scant information is available, making us wonder who this could be allowed to be posted at all. Will the needed documentation be provided in time that people can read, analyze, research and respond? Thirty days are insufficient. 90 days or more would be more appropriate. "To "provide opportunities for an open and consultative process when making decisions that might significantly affect the environment" is a noble goal but one that does not seem to be addressed here.