October 27, 1999
Ms. Linda Lynch
Environment Watch Inc.
915 Lake Shore Blvd. E., Suite 2014
Toronto, Ontario
M4M 3L5
Dear Ms. Lynch,
Residents at the public meeting, held on October 13, 1999, raised a number of concerns, and it is critical that they be addressed as quickly as possible, As a follow up to this meeting I would like to ensure that a proper Emergency Response Plan is established for the safety of the community.
It is important to establish a single person who will be taking a lead role in coordinating and establishing the guidelines for this plan. The plan should include a communications plan with the community, a developed on-site procedure in the event of an emergency, as well as outlining all the precautions should an evacuation become necessary.
The communications strategy with the community should contain who takes the lead role with this regard, how information will be distributed, and appropriate communication mechanisms that will reach the residents within a desirable time frame.
The on-site procedures should include details about who wiII have the authority to issue a stop work order. As well, it is necessary to establish a process of notification to the Ministry of Environment in a manner that will insure that they arrive on site as quickly as possible. Included in these procedures should be a plan to notify surrounding schools of any developments on site.
With the possibility that a need for the evacuation of the community may arise, the steps taken in an evacuation should be clearly defined and distributed to the community. The agencies and individuals involved in an evacuation need to be identified ahead of time. As well, despite the fact that the area of evacuation is dependent upon the severity of the spill, a basic perimeter needs to be established in order to alert and educate the community.
I would appreciate it if these issues could be addressed as early as possible. Should you require any help in developing these plans, I would be willing to provide any assistance necessary. In addressing these issues I would also appreciate showing the time frame for when this plan will be established and completed.
Once again, thank you for your immediate attention to this matter. It is apparent, through your commitment to the community at the Public Meeting, that you are interested in working with the community to provide an Emergency Response Plan prior to any activity on the Manson site. I would like to review the Emergency Response Plan at a Public Review Committee Meeting as soon as possible, as well as the outstanding questions raised at the public meeting.
I trust that you will stand behind your commitment at the public meeting.
Yours sincerely,
Ron Moeser
Councillor, Ward 16
Scarborough Highland Creek
with copies to:
|
Mori Mortazavi David Soknacki Steve Franklin Liz Oliver Steve Schwartz Gay Cowbourne Bob Davis Prakash Parikh |
Peer Reviewer Councillor, Ward 16 Director, Building - East District President, WRCA President, PUVHA President, CCRA Public Consultation, Works & Emergency Services UPDS |
