Questions are being raised about leaks and spills in Sarnia’s ‘Chemical Valley’ after a combined investigation into the issue.
The exposé, done by The Toronto Star, Global News, the National Observer and the journalism schools at Ryerson and Concordia, questioned whether industrial companies and the provincial government are properly warning local residents when chemicals are leaked.
To view more details and a video about the issue, click here: ‘Canada’s Toxic Secret’ exposé targets Chemical Valley
Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MPP Monte McNaughton told the Sydenham Current he was shocked to read and see the report.
“I don’t understand why the government didn’t move forward years ago with funding a study,” he said.
“I think it is important to put the people’s minds at ease if there are no issues, but if there are issues we need get them solved.”
Last week, McNaughton wrote a letter to Ontario Minister of the Environment Chris Ballard, asking the government to expand the scope of the environmental and health impact study that has been proposed for the City of Sarnia to include the communities of Wallaceburg and Walpole Island First Nation.
Read the full letter, here.
McNaughton said he remembers Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey raising this issue in 2008 and again in 2010.
“So he has been asking for this for 10 years and of course, I moved forward this week to ask the Ministry to study the Wallaceburg and Walpole Island safety of the water as well,” McNaughton said.
McNaughton said he has also been hearing about this issue for years.
“I think I raised this for the first time back in 2013,” he said.
“We have written the Ministry a number of times regarding this. Again, I just think it is irresponsible of the Provincial Government not to move forward with this study. I mean the good thing is, it is actually not going to cost all that much money and of course you can’t put a price on health and safety anyhow, and the environment, but the industry and the Provincial Government should play a role in this and ensure it is paid for and properly studied, so people know and have confidence in the local environment.”
McNaughton said he believes industry in the Sarnia area should be putting up funds for the study.
“It is my understanding that they are prepared to pony up,” he said.
“I think each, it is a split three ways that would work out to around $1.7 million each. Again, it is peanuts quite frankly, but considering what could be the seriousness of this issue, you just can’t put a price on the local environment for people.”
McNaughton said he beleives the Global News and Toronto Star investigation is pushing the issue forward.
“I just don’t understand why this wasn’t done nine or 10 years ago when the issue was first raised and I recall, one or two of my letters didn’t even get a response from the Ministry of Environment when I raised issues about Wallaceburg and Walpole Island.”
McNaughton added: “Quite frankly, I think they got caught and this exposé by Global News and The Toronto Star is forcing them to act. We know the Ministry on Monday announced that they would study the Sarnia area and I wrote this week as I said asking them to include Walpole and Wallaceburg in the study as well.”
– Photo credit: TEDizen, Creative Commons license
