Dear Editor:
I do not remember all of the concerns that were expressed when the Hazco environmental protection proposal was being considered for the nuisance ground site, but do recall that many issues were raised by the public about the real possibility of water pollution occurring with such an installation design and at this location. That was a time when the RM of Wallace and the Town of Virden were in partnership at the site, north of Virden. As I understand, the political fallout from this scheme led to the end of the partnership and the Town of Virden went solo.
According to the current news release, Virden then had concerns about the risks of soil and ground water pollution. They had to pay for an environmental investigation and have the necessary repairs carried out, and are now suing HAZCO for the work expenses involved. Fair enough!
It seems to me the council’s current actions are somewhat hypocritical when the arsenic situation and the disposal of it into Gopher Creek at Virden is considered. Arsenic is legally defined as a deleterious, polluting substance. According to the Manitoba Health authority, who spoke at Virden a number of years ago, arsenic must never be put in water. In fact, it is a federal offence to do so under the Federal Fisheries Act!
Council members have demonstrated they have concerns about water pollution. Yet, because they have a provincial licence to pollute Gopher Creek with poison, they apparently accept what the licence allows, without question.
Is this a double standard or just plain asinine?
John Fefchak,
Virden, MB
