TILSON AND JONES

Tilson and Jones both call for action on Melancthon quarry 2011-12-15 / News

The proposed massive Quarry in Melancthon was on the minds of the local federal and provincial representatives lately.

Dufferin — Caledon MP David Tilson rose in the House of Commons Dec. 1 to ask the government to conduct an environmental assessment on the Highland Companies’ proposed mega-quarry.

He told the House the Highland Companies, backed by a Boston-based hedge fund, proposes to dig a 2,300 acre limestone quarry on prime farmland.

“They want to dig down 200 feet, well below the water table,” he said. “The end result is that 600 million litres of water per day, enough for over a million Ontarians, would have to be pumped out, treated, stored and injected back into the local aquifers.”
Tilson also told the House the project proponents say this poses no risk to the local environment.

“Mr. Speaker, Melancthon Township is home to the headwaters of four major river systems, flowing in all directions,” he said. “To claim that there would be no effect on the headwaters and beyond stretches the realm of possibility.”

“I call upon the Minister of the Environment to order that the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency conduct a full environmental assessment,” he added. “The residents of my riding and of Canada deserve no less.”

And Dufferin — Caledon MPP Sylvia Jones was busy on the issue earlier in the week in the Provincial legislature at Queen’s Park, questioning Premier Dalton McGuinty on the lack of action on the EA for the proposed quarry.

“Since the October election, the government has been silent on the EA,” Jones declared.
The Environmental Assessment Act requires the proponent (Highland Companies) to develop the terms of reference for an EA. Jones pushed the Environment Minister Jim Bradley on the importance of allowing interested community members to have a say in the development of the EA’s terms of reference.

“Residents of Dufferin — Caledon need to be able to actively participate in creating the EA’s terms of reference,” said Jones. “The government needs to make an announcement on how the public consultation will proceed.”

“Actions speak louder than words,” said Jones. “The Liberal government needs to act on this important issue.”
http://www.caledoncitizen.com/news/2011-12-15/News/Tilson_and_Jones_both_call_for_action_on_Melanctho.html

I guess it is safe for Jones to come out swinging, now that the PC's didn't win.  She was pretty hard to pin down during the election.  Tilson didn't seem to have a clue DURING the campaign, but I am really really glad to see both are on board now.