Residents raise stink over plant

Air tests ordered for Tsuu T'ina asphalt facility

Calgary Herald - Sept 8, 2006

On summer nights when she left her windows open, Donna says she woke up grasping for air.

Headaches, blurry eyes and a persistent cough followed, she says.

Having lived in Oakridge for more than 30 years, she didn't have any idea what was happening -- until she learned of a new asphalt plant on the nearby Tsuu T'ina reserve to the west.

A community group called Calgary Clean Air says the plant is responsible for plumes of smoke and pollutants wafting over their neighbourhoods.

But the aboriginal band says its new business is abiding by all environmental rules, and Alberta Environment hasn't noted any air quality concerns in surrounding neighbourhoods.

"I have asthma and environmental allergies so I'm more sensitive than most people, but if it's affecting me, how is it affecting children in the neighbourhood or band members on Tsuu T'ina?" Donna asked.

Tsuu T'ina partnered with Carmacks Enterprises to create a temporary asphalt plant, which began operating in the summer of 2004.

Every environmental precaution is being taken, said Tsuu T'ina spokesman Morten Paulsen.

The air around the plant has been monitored by Alberta Environment and the nation has created two permanent air monitoring stations to test for pollutants. Tsuu T'ina also pays third-party firms to conduct independent air quality testing. "The environmental standards of the plant are entirely up to the standards that are set by the province," said Paulsen. "We're entirely confident there is not an environmental issue."

But Mika of Calgary Clean Air questioned how anyone can be sure if environmental precautions are being taken when the plant hasn't received provincial or federal operating permits.

Ambient air quality tests along the Tsuu T'ina border so far results haven't shown "any specific concerns for air quality," said Alberta Environment spokeswoman Lisa Grotkowski.

Due to jurisdictional issues, the province hasn't been testing on Tsuu T'ina land but has offered to provide air quality testing on reserve. So far, the proposal hasn't been accepted.

To address persistent odour complaints, federal Indian and Northern Affairs Minister Jim Prentice has ordered an air quality assessment by third-party experts. Preliminary results are expected as early as the end of this week. If there is evidence the plant poses medical risks, it will be shut down.

Prentice expressed disappointment that Tsuu T'ina didn't complete the federal environmental permitting process before operating its plant, but indicated his department is working with the band to see that it is completed now. Still, Calgary Clean Air members aren't holding their breath.

An Environmental Impact Assessment was to take place this week and next, which would allow the proper permitting process to begin. But since Prentice's meeting last Friday, the plant appears to have shut down, Russell said.

"How can affective air quality testing take place if the plant isn't operating?" Mika questioned.

Tsuu T'ina has begun the long process to obtain an environmental permit from Ottawa and the plant is continuing to operate, said Paulsen.

"Tsuu T'ina has gone out of its way to ensure any inconveniences faced by neighbours will be mitigated."