Council Paved This Path: One Man's Opinion
By Ben Meisner
In 1974, the people along the North Nechako appeared before the Prince George City Council of the day to complain about the pollution, the noise and the smell of the asphalt plant across the river from their homes.
That was 32 years ago.
The company in question was operating on a two year permit, that mining plant was to cease operations. They received an extension from the City Council and the plant was granted further years without ever considering the problems.
In Prince George, you cannot idle your vehicle on city streets, put on a fire for a marshmallow roast in your backyard, and in the winter there are concerns if you burn wood for warmth.
Yet, industry has been allowed to produce asphalt on the Ottway bench for the past 32 years.
Listening to the City Council debate the issue last night sounded exactly like the same song that was delivered to the residents in 1974, 1979, 1983, 1987 and so on.
There even was a study undertaken by residents along the Bench which pointed out that in most other centers in Western Canada, asphalt plants are located a number of miles away frompopulated areas. But the City Council of the day extended the permit to produce asphalt.
Now let’s use some basic common sense. The dust flows along the river into the city because any grade two student will tell you heat rises and the dust will follow the river into the bowl.
Noise travels over water, enough there.
Finally, take a look at who supported the extension of the permits. You will be surprised.
To suggest that when a new player came to the city asking for a permit to mine gravel on Ottway that the flag didn’t go up is just nonsense.
So let’s wait and see what’s in the works this time, and please don’t hold your breath. Many have already been waiting 32 years.
I’m Meisner and that is one man’s opinion.
Previous Story - Next Story
Email
Print
Facebook
Twitter
Digg
Del.icio.usReturn to Home
Posted by: Marty on July 25 2006 7:35 PM