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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1989-08-09, Page 18PAGE 18. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9, 1989. Public health No. 1 concern in waste survey Following the completion of Stage 1 of the Huron County Waste Management Master Plan it has been discovered that the majority of Huron County residents survey­ ed are concerned with the effect a waste management system could have on public health and safety. According to a report issued by Project Co-orindator Jo-Anne Rich­ ter the negative effects waste management systems can have on the ground or surface water and air quality were a priority concern. This was determined after evalua­ tion of the questionnaire that was distributed to 1189 Huron County residents for the purpose of helping to establish alternative methods of dealing with waste and finding potential areas for locating waste High school writers contest A literary contest was recently held for Huron County high school students. Two of the winning entries are printed here. Lisa Noble captured first prize in her category for her short story while Juanita Arkell captured a prize for her poem. Chicken BY USA NOBLE GRADE 12, CENTRAL HURON SECONDARY SCHOOL Chicken. In my town, on a Saturday afternoon, the best and only means of entertainment for a bunch of ten-year-old kids was a game which we called “Chicken”. This was a game where we had to beat the train. We stood in the middle of the train tracks, when the train came through at 5:30 p.m. The person who could stand the longest; then, jump off the tracks just before being struck by the train, won the game. The rest were chickens. At 5:15, Joey, Julie, Brenda, Kevin and I waited impatiently for the afternoon train to come thund­ ering down the tracks. In the distance we could see puffs of smoke hanging heavy in the air. Then we heard it. That shrill, high pitched whistle as it echoed through the trees and all through our bodies. We knew it was time. Time to face the enemy. Quickly we gathered around on the rickety tracks quivering with fear, yet tingling with excitement. As the train rounded the bend, I could see its huge black nose and feel its vibrations beneath me. Brenda jumped off the tracks crying. The train wasn’t that close. I thought it must be the train’s appearance that scared her. It was black and big and mean looking. It blew black rings of smoke out of a hole in its head. Its eye gleamed like a black cat’s eyes gleam when someone accidentally crosses its path; that execrated, evil gleam. Julie and Joey leaped from the tracks, while Kevin yelled, “Chick­ ens!” I took a big gulp. 1 couldn’t lose. I wouldn’t lose. I wouldn’t let Kevin win. I stood rigid and watched as Kevin screamed, “It’s too close! Too close! Jump!” I knew I had won. Now I could jump off the tracks in just enough time to beat the train. I held my arms out. My legs were like jello and I couldn’t move. My whole body felt weak and limp and butterflies fluttered around madly inside me. I felt dizzy, nauseous and I couldn’t hold my head up any longer. It was heavy, so heavy ... I opened my mouth but nothing came out. My friends’ eyes were filled with terror. I heard them screaming at me, but I just couldn't move. I couldn’t jump. The train hissed and blew fire. I was angry. As it approached me, its demon eyes shone and it roared a dragon’s roar. My tears started to fall and so did I. Then, I could feel someone dragging me across the management facilities. Respon­ dents were asked to indicate the importance of categories to ensure that potential impacts from waste management could be minimized. Through a series of calculations the information garnered from the public was used to ascertain a weighting factor which indicated the degree of importance given to each category. The categories of social environ­ ment. natural environment, and resource use were given equal importance. Social environment deals with the effects that a waste system might have on a resident’s way of life. Impacts on them might include nuisances such as noise, dust, rodents, birds, litter, and increased traffic which is common­ rough tracks. I could feel every bump and pebble as my body slid almost silently down the embank­ ment. I could feel my skin being scratched and scraped away at my elbows. My arms glistened red, but I was safely in the weeds and thick grass beside the tracks. I felt a Michele BY JUANITA ARKELL ADULTEDUCATION C.H.S.S. She was eighteen And just beginning to savour The glories of life. Standing poised and waiting, Breathless, Ready to step into a new existence. A veil of lace, Ethereal and white, Stitched with hope and love and dreams Soon to cover her radiant face And glowing eyes. Then out of darkness Came the hand Of Him who beckons from beyond To rob us all. I can but hope that wisdom Lies behind this empty aching, But I cannot understand. All I can see Is her joyous face Forever still. Although at times I hear An echo of her laughter And I feel glad that I once knew Michele. Letter to the Editor Ground Hog’s Day Committee presentation DEAR EDITOR, The United Ground Hog Day Committee of Huron County has been meeting regularly the past few months preparing a brief to present to the Inter-Ministerial Committee which is studying op­ tional uses for abandoned railway lines. Our presentation on August 3 with our video emphasized adja­ cent landowner\s concerns. Presently Grey, Morris, East Wawanosh and Colborne town­ ship councils have supported the return of the abandoned C.P.R. line to the adjacent landowners. Hullett township council feels that it should be maintained as a non-recreational corridor for future use. ly associated with waste disposal facilities. Property values, existing or future land use, landscape view, and the desirability of land for recreational, tourism and commun­ ity uses may also be affected. Impacts on the natural environ­ ment may be placed on the land or water, areas which have biological significance or are of natural or scientific interest. Impact on rare species should also be taken into consideration. The category of resource use deals with the effect on agricultur­ al, mineral, forest, fish and wildlife resources. Just slightly lower in importance were the impacts that may arise should the system fail to operate efficiently or if it does not provide gush of wind as the train streaked past me. I lay there silent, listening to the train thunder away. I could see my friends looking at me. I could sense that I had won the game, and I could feel the wetness of my own tears as they streamed down my face. The track is an eyesore with the noxious weeds growing rampantly and some growing uncontrolled even after the County Weed In­ spector spraying. We would like to thank the following people for acting on your behalf in Toronto at this presenta­ tion: Emerson Mitchell, Arnold Egli, Ron MacDonald, Jean Kirk- by, Charles Shobbrook and Linda Plaetzer. Questions and comments about the V.G.H.D. Committee’s work can be directed to your townships representatives: Grey, Barry Hoegy; Morris, Emerson Mitchell; Hullett (East Wawa­ nosh), Joyce Bean; Colborne, Ron MacDonald. LARRY AND LINDA PLAETZER AUBURN. adequate facilities to deal with waste over a 20-year planning period. To achieve these goals the system must be reliable and flex­ ible at a reasonable cost. Impacts on the economy may be felt from the potential change in property value, or in the value of the economical activity and com­ mercial income in the community. Finally, there will possibly be a change noted on heritage resources and archaeological sites, which must be considered. The report states that a waste management system could have a significant effect on these areas as well. Respondents were also asked to indicate how much more they would be willing to pay in munici­ pal taxes to achieve the values they indicated. This preliminary study indicated a great deal of variance to that question. Thirty-four percent selected $1 to $50 a year while 28 per cent selected an increase of $51 to $100 yearly would be acceptable to them. The third part of the question­ naire asked for personal comments from the respondents. These indi­ cated that people are aware of the situation and concerned with the issue of waste management. Many noted that there is a need to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill sites, through recycling, waste management, and compost­ ing. They see it as a necessary strategy and an immediate need. The co-ordinators of the project feel that the information gathered will help them make recommenda­ tions which will reflect community values. During the stage 1 study presen­ tations were made to community organizations to increase public awareness. Public meetings were held in January 1989 in Blyth and Hensail to review the findings of the report and approximately 80 people attended each. In June of this year the Stage 1 report was accepted by County Council. It is available for loan at all main library branches. The next stage will involve an evaluation of the study area and will identify potential areas for possible facility locations. They will also look for markets for using recovered materials and energy. A map will be used to pinpoint the suitable and unsuitable areas. They will then be analyzed for their TWICE OVER FROM THE BLYTH FESTIVAL A sincere thanks to the many generousdonors who have contributed and pledged their support to the Blyth Festival'scapital fund John Labatt Limited [London], Alcan Aluminum Ltd. [Toronto], Laidlaw Foundation [Toronto], John & Mary Bowers [Chesley], David & Susan Wilson [Melbourne], Tom & Sylvia Mayberry [Ingersoll], Cliff's Plumbing & Heating [Lucknow], Sparling's Propane Co. Ltd. [Blyth], Norm & Helen Gowing [Blyth], Harvey & Fern McDowell [Blyth], Samsonite, Canada [Stratford], Ellis-Don Limited [London], Elizabeth Battye [Blyth], Ruth Hotchkiss [Toronto], Jim & Audrey Currie [Wingham], Carol & Jerry McDonnell [Blyth], Mabel Wheeler [Belgrave], Ward & Patti Robertson [Wingham], Doris Batkin [Clinton], June Finlay [Ancaster], Mol son Companies Donation Fund[Toronto], Helena G. Tetley [Don Mills], Violet E. Lange [Southampton], Mary E. Lee [Wingham], West Wawanosh Mutual Insurance Company [Dungannon], Rose Philip [London], Mr. & Mrs. E. L. Reeves [Dorchester], Edna Buchanan [Wingham], First City Financial Corporation [Vancouver, B.C.], Robert & June Peck [Blyth], The Harold Crabtree Foundation [Ottawa], Ross & Ross [Goderich], Gail W. Lear [Londesboro], Ruby Philp [Blyth], The McLean Foundation [Toronto], Bill Farnell [Wingham], Alex & Mary Morse [Stratford], Doug & Lou Bundy [Goderich], George Metcalf Foundation [Toronto], June Hill [Goderich], Mrs. Annie Bowers [Goderich], County of Huron [Goderich], Dr. Lucile B. Thomas [Huntington Woods, Mich.], "Owners” of Seats in The Blyth Festival Great Canadian Seat Sale: Sheila Richards [Brussels], D.Evert Scrimgeour [Blyth], Blyth Festival Company '89 [Blyth], Norma Hazlitt [Goderich], Mulgrave Road Co-op Theatre [Nova Scotia], Verne [Scrimgeour] Dakin [Goderich], Charles Dakin [Goderich], Adrian & Toni Vos [Blyth], Mary H. Wightman [Blyth] EVERY DONOR WILL BE RECOGNIZED INA PERMANENT LOBBY DISPLAY economic, financial, social, cultur­ al, technical, landuse planning, and environmental factors. In addi­ tion, alternate methods for dealing with waste, such as recycling, shredding, incineration without energy recovery, reduction of waste generation, and transfer stations will be evaluated. Stage 2A will conclude with a report that will provide tentative recommendations for Huron Coun­ ty. It is anticipated that this stage will be completed by April of 1990. Public meetings will again be held to review the preliminary report. For more information you can contact Ms. Richter at Huron County Department of Planning and Development, Courthouse, Goderich, Ontario. N7A 1M2 or call 524-2188. PIZZA PIZZA PIZZA THURS., FRI., SAT. 5P.M.-12A.M. BLYTH INN EAT IN OR TAKE OUT 523-9381 ^£44 4- 40? Happy Birthday Rat & Gord BLYTH