LETTER

Moss Mine Report

I wish to correct a news account of my protest at the Dec 11 Council meeting (Municipality of Pontiac). The report states that I blocked access. Given the double doors and wide passage – and only six or seven residents in attendance – this would seem an exaggeration. Reporter Mo Laidlaw did not speak to me at all.

The Moss Mine situation has been public knowledge for over a year.  Apart from claims of livestock contamination in 2018,  studies at the Moss Mine site (2009-2019) have determined “not unexpected high unacceptable risks”. Photographed biological and physical evidence suggest a chemical migration across a wide area. 

Not only is this pollution toxic, it is also physically destructive due to the underlying soft calcium rock. Beside Chemin Westbrook (adjacent to our residence and deep well), a landslide is in progress, and stagnant pools indicate to me a large sinkhole lake is forming, with Leda quick clay rising from deep below surface.  Iron has apparently resurfaced hundreds of metres away in collapsed ravines on our farm. 

I believe this pollution is ongoing, unlikely to subside, and may be increasing. I believe Access to Information searches show government attempts to conceal the pollution with SNC Lavalin, and that  journalists are explicitly censored due  to financial interests. 

At the December 11 meeting, I again advised council of their responsibilities. Mayor Labadie ruled against protest signs in the building, after a three-minute discussion.

I insist that this is not merely a “personal concern”. The Mayor’s conversations with NCC and assurances of  ‘no contamination’ by a private landowner do not justify Council’s inaction. Nor can Council claim a lack of expertise or jurisdiction. Other councillors have refused to comment.

I insist councillors and management show due diligence and address these public safety concerns, especially with other levels of government. 

Your readers should know of the contamination from Moss Mine in Gatineau Park and vicinity, and related events.  (This letter has been abridged and edited for brevity  and clarity.)

Lucinda Sanschagrin

Municipality of Pontiac