Last month, I invited MPP Peter Tabuns, NDP Critic for Environment and Energy to tour the Eramosa Karst, which is an environmental and ecological jewel.

A karst is formed by erosion in limestone, gypsum and other rocks and has landforms like sinkholes, caves and underground drainage stream networks.

The Eramosa Karst feeder lands weren't designated with the 180 acres protected in October 2006, however, they abut the conservation area and are critical to the survival of these lands.

The Friends of the Eramost Karst Web site (http://www.friendsoferamosakarst.org/) states, "Recently a number of hydro geologists have stated their opinions that development of the lands to the east of the existing buffer area would pose a potentially serious risk to the karst ecosystem."

It is clear to me and Mr. Tabuns we need the feeder lands to be designated. Otherwise, development could occur, having a negative impact on the water system. If the water system is cut off or damaged, it would ruin the natural environment with significant loss of wildlife and its habitat.

I encourage you to become more familiar with the Eramosa Karst and the issues that could threaten its survival. Visit the Friends of the Eramosa Karst Web site. Take your family and friends for a walk through these lands and enjoy the wonder of this significant natural environment.

Liberty Energy

I was shocked and appalled to learn the Liberty Energy sludge incinerator proposal would not be subjected to a full Environmental Assessment . We need a full EA to safeguard the public, to ensure the company's claims about scrubbers and environmental procedures are going to be as effective as they say. Glossy brochures present exactly that, glossy pictures. The only way to ensure the people of Hamilton East-Stoney Creek are not exposed to any more pollutants, is to subject this project to a full EA.

Mr. Tabuns and I met with Environment Hamilton, who expressed concern about the black oily dust we already have in our air. This is likely from a combination of Union Carbide emissions and Dofasco melt shop emissions. I support Environment Hamilton's proposal that Dofasco print large numbers or letters to identify each of its stacks. This would make it easier to identify the polluting stacks and to get to the source of the problem when a complaint is made. Union Carbide has complied with this request.

But even with these identifying marks, add an incinerator to a crowded atmosphere and the results could have a negative impact on our neighbourhoods and lakes.

The addition of sludge-carrying trucks from other municipalities could have a negative impact on our neighbourhoods. We need a full environmental assessment on this project.