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	Society Promoting Environmental Conservation 2150 Maple Street, Vancouver, BC  V6J 3T3
	Phone  (604) 736-7732    Email    enviro@spec.bc.ca	Fax  (604) 736-7115 Web www.spec.bc.ca

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 January 25, 2002

Hon. Joyce Murray
Minister of Water, Land and Air Protection
PO Box 9047 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria BC V8W 9E2

Dear Minister:

RE: Importation of dioxin-contaminated soil into BC.

We urge you, Minister, to reconsider your Ministry’s approval of a proposal by Hazco Environmental Services to import 8,600 tonnes of contaminated soil for disposal at their Richmond facilities.

As you are aware, the soil contains pentachlorophenol and dioxins. The US EPA has identified these substances as hazardous materials. Dioxins are particularly troubling because of their persistence and the possibility of leaching into the aquatic environment. Current US EPA standards, moreover, do not allow for domestic US disposal and handling of dioxins in the manner that is proposed by Hazco. We urge you to review BC’s standards and regulations that allow for this discrepancy.

It is our belief, that BC should not be importing toxic contaminated materials for disposal. Any short-term financial benefits of disposing of these wastes could be offset by the cost of dealing with yet unforeseen environmental damage.

We suggest, Minister, that the risks to the environment, to human health and to the reputation of this province as a leader in environmental stewardship, outweigh possible gains that may be realized in allowing the importation and disposal of toxic wastes.

Sincerely,

David Cadman
President

Cc. Malcolm Brodie, Mayor of Richmond

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