June 26, 2006

Honourable Laurel Broten, MOE

135 Clair Avenue West 2^nd Floor

Toronto ON M4V 1P5

Dear Ms. Broten:

RE: LAFARGE CEMENT PLANT, BATH ONTARIO

Application to burn tires, animal meal, plastics, shredded tires, solid shredded materials and pelletized municipal waste

Many of us live in the vicinity of the Lafarge plant and are already subject to the known cancer-causing particulates from its smokestack. In the past, many of us have regularly seen coal dust deposited on our lawn furniture and in our homes. Now we have learned that Lafarge has applied to burn tires, plastic, and a host of other waste products in its cement kiln to decrease its fuel costs. Lafarge effectively wants to use its present facility as a garbage incinerator. The polluting effects of Lafarge’s actions will be felt much beyond the borders of Bath.

• I am concerned that Lafarge’s cement kiln is not an appropriate facility for incinerating tires and other waste.
• I am concerned that the toxins that will be released into the air and ultimately the water will have detrimental effects on my family’s health.
• I am concerned about the impact that the resulting pollution will have on the fish and bird life of Lake Ontario, which should be protected as part of our Canadian heritage, and
• I am concerned that the documentation Lafarge has provided in support of its proposal is not complete and transparent enough to use as a basis for decision-making by the Ministry of the Environment.

For that reason, I ask that you reject Lafarge’s application for approval. At the very least, I ask that Lafarge’s proposal be made subject to a full, independent and public environmental assessment.

Sincerely yours,

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Address

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cc. Scott Reid, MP; John Gerretsen, MPP; Leona Dombrowsky, MPP; Loyalist Township