Over the past few months we have studied and tested the data and information that is available concerning the establishment of Arlington Heights Construction Debris.
These are the facts as we have found them. What follows is not supposition, guess, wishful interpretation, or the “colored” presentation that sometimes occurs in the Environmental Assessment supporting this development. These are the simple and compelling facts of the case.
1. It is virtually certain that there will be free, unbagged asbestos both within the disposal cells and external to the active disposal pit. Accidental tearing of bags, poor packaging, lack of monitoring all increase the likelihood of this.
2. There is water in the cells. Water invades the cells by direct seepage through sand, gravel, and/or cobble seams and passages through the walls, sides, and bottom of the excavations. The soil used for the top seal is certainly permeable. It rains often.
3. The extra-cell, free asbestos will be carried by runoff into established drainage channels and on to the receptor wetland.
4. The receptor site is in the middle of a wetland that has been tapped by residents with dozens of wells and springs to provide what used to be a clean and reliable domestic water supply, even in times of severe drought.
5. Water still runs downhill both above and below ground.
6. It is clear that asbestos will move from the dump to the wetland to our wells.
7. Most everyone here understands that siting a toxic waste disposal facility in the middle of a community drinking-water reservoir is irresponsible. It is impossible for voters to comprehend why Nova Scotia Environment supports the idea.
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