Scientists have referred to the Alliston Aquifer in Southern Ontario as one of the cleanest sources of freshwater in the world, comparable to ancient arctic ice. “The water is so clean that it can be used as a benchmark for gauging the purity of other water around the world,” says Maude Barlow, National Chairperson of the Council of Canadians and Senior Advisor on Water to the President of the United Nations. Why would someone want to build a landfill on top of 51 acres of prime farm land and one of the world’s most pristine aquifers?
It doesn’t seem like many people do!
Seasonal cottagers have joined local citizens, First Nations, and the agricultural community of Simcoe County to oppose landfill construction and demand that the county explore other options to waste management. On July 4th, over 800 people from all over Southern Ontario attended a rally to tell the county that there is no water to waste!
Over two months ago, a group of Anishnawbe women began a series of peaceful protests, rallies, and marches near the site to show their opposition to the de-watering of the aquifer and construction of the site. As of July 6th, they began blockading the access road preventing construction workers and vehicles from entry to the dump site. These women believe it is their responsibility to protect local water supplies, and many are joining them in solidarity. The acts of non-violent civil disobedience have been generally peaceful, and the Ontario Provincial Police have stated that they have “no issues” with the blockades at the Site. That being said, other Site 41 opponents are threatening to take legal action if it becomes necessary.
The county has been planning the Site for many years, and for that reason is refusing to believe the damage that would result from its construction. They are also refusing to release official MODFLOW results, which would provide models of approximate levels of groundwater contamination. The county has been telling the public that the landfill will not affect the aquifer; however, they are unwilling to sign their names on any official documents. Regional organizations are asking for a year-long moratorium to allow for an independent review of all aspects of the dumpsite.
For more information about Site 41, please visit:
www.stopdumpsite41.ca
What can you do?
Sign the online petition http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/stop-dump-site-41
Join the Facebook Group: Stop Site #41
Contact Premeir Dalton McGuinty at 613-736-9573 or dmcguinty.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org
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