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Percy Barrett, Opposition Critic for Environment and Conservation and MHA
for the District of Bellevue, is asking Minister Tom Osborne to verify that
proper storage and safety provisions are in place at locations where the
government is stockpiling tires around the province. "The storage of tires
has been a serious problem in the past and continuously brought to the
attention of government," said Mr. Barrett. "I am asking the minister to
outline what his department has done to address these concerns. I am also
calling on the minister to ensure that other safety provisions are in place.
For example, has the necessary equipment and training been provided to fire
departments to deal with a serious tire fire in areas where tires are being
stockpiled?"
There are major stockpiles of tires at various collection sites around
the province. Once a tire fire starts, it is extremely difficult to
extinguish. It is well documented that tire fires can have far-reaching
effects on public safety and the environment, including contamination of
surface water, groundwater, air and soil. Due to the intense heat generated
and the difficulty of putting out such fires they sometimes burn for
extended periods of time. A tire fire burned in Hagersville, Ontario for 17
days in 1990, forcing thousands of residents from their homes.
The Liberal MHA also noted that there are other potential problems which
can result from tire stockpiles. "I have read reports that in some parts of
the United States there have been concerns raised related to stagnant water
becoming captured in tire stockpiles, creating a breeding ground for disease
carrying mosquitoes. Officials in some states have begun spraying tire piles
to ward off the onset of West Nile virus and other mosquito borne diseases.
"It is estimated that approximately 500,000 tires are disposed of in the
province each year and this Minister, who seemed to have all the answers
when he was in opposition, has failed to deal with this problem. I am
concerned that the longer this goes on, the more likely problems could arise
in the future."
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