Editor:
I am writing in response to Lafarge’s recent “public consultation” meetings on their intention to burn refuse in their cement operation.
My question to the company was why wasn’t everyone directly affected by this invited to participate? The citizens of Exshaw have seen what Lafarge does to the details of permit applications once they get approval.
Their development permit application for their expansion stated that no trails would be affected, yet as soon as they got approval they began closing trails. Their observance of their emission guidelines appears to only happen when AESRD parks a monitor in their front yard, so you can understand my concern about this new application.
Why they want to burn refuse in the confines of a mountain valley where thermal inversions cause air to be trapped for extended periods is beyond me. Have there been any studies done on how the airflow will affect their emissions and to whom it will flow?
The prospect of breathing the toxins produced by burning shingles and plastic is not a comforting thought.To the AESRD, I beg you to please consider the quality of life of the people of the Bow Valley before giving this application any consideration.
Brian Thompson,
Exshaw
