If youre interested to know where Im at after some time to decompress my emotions, this is a conversation Ive been having with the DOE, having said all this I am still fully supportive of the de-industrialization of Pictou regardless of the investments efforts and co-operation it will take to move the area into a green future, I believe in Pictou County: The PM2.5 emissions are the emissions were most concerned with, boat harbour aside. With respect to the particulate testing, I feel there is an urgent need for a process that is more in favour of public trust. Surely there must be an estimation of the efficiency of a 25 million dollar piece of equipment. A crucially important question, when the particulate testing is done can you please ensure that the plant is operating at full capacity, such as it was when record production #s were acheived by the team there? I have a feeling that NP could drastically reduce emissions to acceptable levels if there was a gauge in place for them to recognize the affect that production has on emissions. This seems like the responsible thing to do in light of the fact that the plant itself isnt operating with the appropriate equipment in place to protect the environment and the society that lives within its reaches. There will absolutely need to be concessions on the part of NP between now and May. This would be a responsible compromise and you may find that the general public will accept such a measure, unfortunately it appears as though many people are already past the point of compromise. I also suggest that NP take measures to show respect for holidays, and special events in the community such as Lobster Carnival by reducing production to the very minimum. I have suggested to them in the past VIA the Pictou Advocate editorial/opinion section that they limit their production during tourist sensitive times like the Carnival or even go so far as to schedule their yearly shut down during this time. In hindsight, I have to ask myself, would there be such an intensely emotional and determined movement against them now if they were to have shown such considerations in the past? Again, thank you for your diligence in responding, I can only imagine that this issue is perhaps the most divisive and crucial issues of your departments history. There are eyes around the globe watching for a suitable and humane outcome. This truly is a make or break moment for our community and our planet, in fact. Im certain you will agree.
Posted on: Thu, 07 Aug 2014 21:20:20 +0000