Dear Editor,
In regards to Mike Gladstone’s latest feature in the Western Wheel he states that the environmental, social and economic needs are an important aspect to BFI's Prairie Sky. Negative problems have already started to show up in such ways as adverse economic development in the area. When protential property buyers find out there is a possibility of a dump coming to Blackie, they make the decision not to proceed with the purchase. From other landfill examples we have all seen how dirty the surrounding area becomes not to mention the smell and increase to road traffic they create.
In regards to the engineered liner system how does one monitor its integrity when equipment is driving over it packing garbage down daily? Liner systems do not work, they all eventually tear and break down so where then does the leachate go? Common sense tells us that it will go wherever it can. We don't know how BFI continues to make claims that they can control the leachate and that it will not permiate the clay and contaminate the water aquifers. Our water supply is just too precious a resource to be left to the chance that these liners will hold up when we know they won't.
BFI does not care anything about what will happen to the wells and water supply here. It has and always will be about the bottom line. How can BFI keep stating that there will be no issues with water contamination or health issues or enviromental problems or that our property values will not decline? The only way any of these issues can truly be controlled is by this dump never becoming a reality.
The Blackie Area Concerned Residents Action Commitee against the proposed Prairie Sky landfill asks that Mike Gladstone stops interpreting what he and BFI thinks is best for our community.
Cheryl Emblau and Karen Kennedy
Blackie
