Raise the Hammer

Postcards Against the Excess of Cancer-Causing Emissions

ArcelorMittal-Dofasco, has recently acknowledged that they are unable to meet current standards set out in Regulation 419/05 (an air quality standard made by the Ministry of Environment to protect our community's health and environment) and proposed standards currently being considered for inclusion in the regulation. As such, they are currently applying for an "alternative standard", which will allow them to continue to emit certain pollutants at higher levels than the regulation permits. The alternative standard comes with a requirement for the company to implement an action plan to reduce their emissions. The action plan would see reductions in two key pollutants that we feel are not good enough. Cancer-causing benzo(a)pyrene, emitted from the company’s coke ovens, will only be reduced by 27% over five years and total suspended particulate matter will only be reduced by 4% under the action plan.

As a community, we feel we deserve the best air possible! Thus, the Hamilton Good Neighbour Campaign, which is an initiative of Environment Hamilton, has been asking individuals to sign postcards. These postcards provide a way for individuals, groups, and organizations across the city to send a strong message to Mr. Juergen Schachler, CEO of ArcelorMittal-Dofasco – the message that, when it comes to cancer-causing pollutants, a 27% reduction is not good enough!

To sign an online postcard, please visit: http://www.goodneighbourcampaign.ca/petition_hamilton The intent of these postcards is to present them to the company at a community meeting which is to be set-up by the Ministry of the Environment. Here, the Ministry will announce their decision as to whether or not to grant the alternative standard, and what it will entail if granted. The Ministry has given us word that the meeting will take place on Thursday, May 20th, 2010 (time and place TBD). Thus, save the date! We welcome and ask that everyone and anyone come to this meeting to show community support for stronger reductions!

To help relieve any intimidation or apprehension that may be had when attending a ministry meeting, the Good Neighbour Campaign will be holding 3 optional pre-meeting sessions. These sessions will provide a simplified and detailed explanation of the issue and answer any questions that may be had. They will aim to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that everyone feels ready and confident when attending the meeting. It will also be a time to work on any materials that are to be brought to the meeting.

Pre-Meeting Option 1: Thursday May 13th @ Labour Council (1130 Barton Street East, Second Floor) – 7:00pm

Pre-Meeting Option 2: Sunday May 16th @ Environment Hamilton Office (22 Wilson Street, Third Floor) – 2:00pm

Pre-Meeting Option 3: Monday May 17th @ Beach Rescue Unit (316 Beach Boulevard) – 7:30pm

MINISTRY’S COMMUNITY MEETING: THURSDAY MAY 20TH, 2010 (TIME/PLACE TBD) For more information concerning the meetings or the postcard campaign, please don’t hesitate to contact Katie Stiel at kstiel@environmenthamilton.org or 905-549-0900. Information can also be found at www.environmenthamilton.org