Editor:
Water metering is only the tip of the iceberg. The proposed Interfor plant would require 230 gallons of water every minute, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Not a drop of this massive amount of water would be fit to drink afterwards.
Water is one of our most precious resources. Its allocation must be wisely apportioned amongst numerous competing interests, including agriculture, ranching, recreation, wildlife habitat and environmental preservation, waterways viability, fire protection and individual consumer use.
When the rivers run low, and local people must ration water usage, would Interfor still have top priority to all the water it wants?
Air quality is another grave concern. Many area residents already suffer from lung and skin ailments that they attribute to existing levels of heavy metal and other pollutants in the air. Needless to say, tourists and other prospective investors and residents are likely to bypass a polluted community in favour of a cleaner, more inviting one.
Would Interfor be required to post a substantial bond to offset possible environmental damage, and/or health problems to residents?
The new environmental committee is dedicated to the study of air quality, water quality and use, and carbon neutrality. There is a subcommittee for each of these three areas of concern; they report back to the main committee.
It was gratifying to see a representative of Interfor at the first meeting of the environmental committee and we can hope for continued discussion with the corporation regarding the development of a comprehensive plan to ensure that the needs of the community and environment are addressed.
We all agree that Grand Forks needs new sources of revenue and more jobs. Let’s make sure that whatever decisions are made regarding Interfor and our air and water quality are made after thorough study and discussion regarding all relevant factors.
Let’s make informed decisions, and preserve the lifestyle and beauty of this area for our great-grandchildren and theirs in turn.
Karin Bagn, Grand Forks