The best science that money can buy.
To the Editor:
This is to respond to some of the outrageous statements made by Mark Clark of Jamer Materials Ltd. in his letter of March 4, 2009, titled, "Quarry opponents ignore science".
Jamer Materials Ltd, through Mr. Clark, again implies that there are a "small number of opponents of the project". Apparently Mr. Clark's hearing and vision have been impaired by noise and dust. Otherwise he would admit to the undisputed fact that hundreds signed the petition against the project in the past, and hundreds have signed letters of opposition in more recent weeks.
Jamer Materials Ltd. has consistently downplayed the overwhelming community opposition and environmental impact of the open pit gravel mine, so I am skeptical of any claim now made by Jamer Materials Ltd.. Mr. Clark used the same tactic in his letter to the editor on October 18, 2005, ("Residents not concerned with Jamer"). He said in 2005 that "a small group of people in the area are promoting their personal opinions". He also stated, "Speculation about our plans to expand our operations in Bayside is inaccurate." Given these misstatements, I have have even less reason to heed any of Jamer's claims in 2009.
My skepticism extends to any of the Jamer-paid consultants who have provided them with the "best science available". The only studies so far have been commissioned and paid for by Jamer Materials. To call them "independent experts" is a bit of a stretch.
And speaking of these scientific studies, where are they? Have the full studies been made public, along with the substantiating data? All I have seen is a distilled version in Jamer's public relations package. Where can I get a full copy of this best science that money can buy to read for myself?
Our drinking water supply is too fragile to have any type of open pit mine nearby. The watershed is more than just Chamcook Lake, It is a vast area including nearby Limeburners Lake, Second Chamcook Lake, Gibson Lake, Snowshoe Lake, Welch Lake, and all the streams, wetlands and forests surrounding them. Jamer Materials Ltd. fouled our watershed in the past, so I don't trust them to look after it properly in the future.
Rick MacMillan
St. Stephen, NB
