The environmental commissioner of Ontario said there's been some progress since her urgent call for action on Chemical Valley air pollution, but there's still a long way to go.
Dianne Saxe was in Sarnia this week to speak to Green Drinks Sarnia, and take part in a panel discussion at Aamjiwnaang First Nation on the cumulative effect of emissions.
She said the disproportionate impact of pollution on First Nations is very concerning.
"The kindergarten in Aamjiwnaang is the only one I know of in Canada that has to have a siren out front, with an alarm, for when it's unsafe to breathe the air," said Saxe in an interview with Blackburn News Sarnia. "As well as a big poster inside of all the serious illnesses that the children have."
Saxe said the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) is moving to increase regulations, but there still needs to be a dramatic reduction in pollution emitted from the area's 57 petrochemical facilities.
"After enormous struggle, they (MOECC) have finally updated their air pollution standard and closed some of the big loopholes the companies were going through, and have taken some steps on cumulative effects. Of course, we have yet to see whether the current government will let those reforms go ahead because they're being phased in," she said.
Saxe noted that some industries like NOVA Chemicals are investing in significant upgrades, and there are cleaner facilities coming into Sarnia, but "we need to see much more of it and part of that is better monitoring."
The environmental commissioner also reiterated the need for a comprehensive study of the impact of industry on the health of area residents.
Saxe said preliminary indications are the new Ontario government and industry are "willing and anxious" to proceed with the long called-for study.
The environmental commissioner is an independent officer of the legislature who reports on government progress on climate change, energy and other environmental issues.
To access all reports, and provide comment on the government's proposed climate law Bill 4, by the October 11 deadline, the public is encouraged to visit the environmental commissioner of Ontario website.
-With files from Dave Dentinger
