I support the phasing out of…

I support the phasing out of coal use in Ontario.

However, Alternative Fuels regulation does not provide enough controls regarding toxic emissions or oversight to ensure that we are not replacing one problematic fuel with another that might pollute with greater toxicity.

A similar issue was raised when the plant in Bath wanted to burn tires for energy. When the public went to court, cumulative effects had to be considered by the company. This should still be a requirement - for each potential toxin to be released.

It must be possible for those living in the vicinity of a facility burning alternative fuels to find out, on a constant basis, what is being emitted into the air from the stacks. The emissions will vary depending on what waste is burned - so the quantities and qualitative measures must be made on a continual basis.

And cumulative effects of each toxin, eg dioxins, must be calculated and confirmed through regular measurements.

Strict requirements for pollution control and public reporting at such plants should be implemented. The public have a right to safety of body/health. They have a right to comprehensive, complete information on exposures and compliance regarding safety levels of toxins.

Until we can be assured safety regulations and processes are in place, I oppose the approval of Lehigh Cement’s application as presented.