Regarding the siting of a compost facility opposite Laburnum Avenue in Townsite, in the abundant available source of guidelines, information and science-based papers, no one at any time has ever advised siting such a facility adjacent to a residential community [“Composting issue raised again at meeting in Powell River,” April 6].
Yet this is being proposed by qathet Regional District. Why does the district consider this appropriate ?
Reducing our CO2 footprint? How so when it will unleash a plethora of diesel trucks running short trips in and around town shuttling compost on inadequate roads to the facility for further sorting by noisy heavy-duty diesel machinery. Given time, diesel-powered tugs will arrive towing barges full of unwanted mainland muck.
Environmentally friendly? Describe that to citizens inundated by the nauseating odours of decomposing organic matter. To the rats drawn as by a magnet to this festering pile, to our healthy bear population arriving in droves destined to become garbage bears, are you going to shoot them?
To the eagles that for generations have nested right above this very site; operations must cease when they are rearing, how is that going to work? Perhaps they will mysteriously vanish. Sustainability? Tick that box, no shortage of stinking compost trash.
Legacy? Over 100 years ago, long before this term was hijacked by opportunist politicians and rendered meaningless, Townsite founders had the foresight to bequeath to future generations their vision of a pristine oceanfront meadow studded with unique legacy trees. Look at your vision and weep, this desecration is progress?
The future? How can we attract young families, entrepreneurs, retirees or anyone to this beautiful place if we are so shortsighted and wrongheaded as to drop a mouldering compost heap into our Heritage Townsite?
A compost facility should be sited away from residential communities.
Brian McCormick
Hemlock Street, Powell River
