From Neil Harris to Impact Assessment Agency of Canada - Input on Designation Request for the Baldwin East Aerodrome Project

From: Neil Harris <Email address removed>
Sent: Thursday, March 9, 2023 11:24 AM
Cc: Neil Harris <Email address removed>
Subject: Proposed Aerodrome in Pefferlaw

I am writing to express my concerns and objections to the aerodrome being proposed in Pefferlaw, which are as follows:

1. there has been no environmental impact study conducted, nor is there one intended to be conducted, as the project is just under the threshold that would automatically require such a study to be completed. This is very concerning as there is a lot of wildlife in this area, wild turkey, deer, beaver, fox, coyote, etc that will most definitely be impacted by this aerodrome.
2. the amount of fill being brought in is a concern as it cannot help but impact the grading, which will in turn negatively impact the groundwater recharge area and aquifers, not to mention the farms in the area.
3. the fact that the fill will not be tested and could be contaminated, is a major concern, as this will negatively impact the environment, wildlife and residents, as well as farms in the area. How do we trust local produce, meat, etc, with this huge unknown.
4. the number of trucks and the number of years this will require, is very disturbing as the amount of development that has been done over the past few years, which falls within provincial and municipal regulations, has already significantly impacted the volume of traffic on the main roads and now the lesser used roads are going to be in constant use and by big trucks.
5. the fact that the federal government can just disregard provincial and local regulations and legislation, not to mention public opinion, is very disturbing, and quite frankly undemocratic.
6. it is very disturbing to hear that this is not something new, and that this happens quite frequently, and that it is just a way for large companies to get away with creating these large, contaminated dump sites, over and over again. No accountability, no care, no fines, no fees, no repercussions. It is totally unbelieveable to suggest these large companies cannot afford to do the studies to identify any issues and then do what is necessary to fix the issue before it happens. Instead of them taking a little out of their huge profits, the environment and the public ends up paying for these large companies misdeeds, and the federal government condones it.

I'm sure I am not alone in my concerns, and I am also quite sure I have not expressed anything different that what everyone else is expressing. I can only hope the people making this decision are will consider the negative impacts, and potential problems they will create, and treat us with the same care and consideration as you would expect for yourself and your loved ones. At the very least, take the time to do the necessary studies to ensure this is safe for all. And have a little respect for the local experts who will know better what the impacts will be in the area they are charged to protect. Would you want something like this in your neighbourhood? Highly doubtful!

Extremely concerned and disappointed resident,

Neil Harris

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Pefferlaw, ON  <Personal information removed>

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