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3 { PRL "Scugog's Community Newspaper of Choice" CHRIS HALL/PORT PERRY STAR SANTA'S COMING: Many people paid a visit to the Corbett home over the past weekend as owner Kris Corbett of Port Perry's Evergreen Florist held her annual Christmas in October Open House Council calls for sludge report Scugog wants ministry to respond to local concerns By John B. McClelland Port Perry Star Scugog Township council has called on the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) to conduct a "thorough independent review" to determine if paper sludge spread on farm fields in this area is safe. And the resolution adopted Monday by council calls for the MOE to review its monitoring proce- dures to makes sure that no environmental damage 1s taking place. The resolution was presented to council by Ward 4 rep David Dietlein, who said the land in question (in north Durham Region) grows food "for millions of people. It must be safe." Scugog council is trying to come up with a policy for the spreading of the sludge on farmlands in light of a growing concern expressed by some farmers in Scugog and in neighbouring Brock Township to the north. Regional Councillor Ken Gadsden said he heard recently from a prominent local farmer who has "major concerns" about paper sludge. Councillor Gadsden said he was told that in order for the paper sludge to have the desired effects on soil, it must be mixed with urea nitrogen. And this, he said, is killing fish if it gets into a watercourse. "This is happening in Scugog Township," said Councillor Gadsden. Mayor Doug Moffatt said he too has been told by local farmers that "they want nothing to do with it." He said farmers are saying that the only benefit they derive is that they are supplied with the nitro- gen that must be mixed with it. Councillor Dietlein attended a recent public meeting in Brock Township called by the Brock Land Steward group. At that meeting there were allegations that paper sludge may be contributing to genetic defects in livestock. He said that MOE officials had been invited to attend that meeting, but backed out at the last minute. He said there is a need for an independent study in light of the rumours and hearsay. Atlantic Packaging has released part of a study on paper sludge. Members of council said this is not enough, since the company is involved in putting the sludge on farmlands. "I would not trust Atlantic Packaging to be part of (an independent study) with a!l their biases," said Ward 1 rep Keith Bacon at Monday's meeting. He also attended the Land Steward meeting in Brock Township, and said the MOE should have sent reps. "They (MOE) should fund a review by an inde- pendent lab," said Councillor Bacon. where Christmas directions were on display. Wedding show comes to Port Perry on Sunday Unique Wedding Shows, Port Perry Arena Bridal Show '98 will be held Sunday, Nov. 1 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Port Perry Arena. Over 20 vendors will be in attendance featuring such services and products as bridal fashions, tuxedos, photography, wedding cakes, truffles, decorating, florists, travel and much more. A bridal'warehouse sale will be ongoing throughout the day 1998 bridal fashions from Everlasting Memories & Tuxedos from Freemans. Advanced tickets can be reserved by calling April Tindall of Unique Wedding Shows at (905) 852-6792. Admission is $5 in advance or $7 at the door which includes light refreshments, and door prizes. JUREEERITT! Introducing the all-new, totally redesigned Sierra by GMC. For 1999, the new Sierra comes equipped with the most powerful Vortec engine STF Ve FN BV YT IG [EY AE Fe Y el brakes standard and the largest, most comfortable cab we've ever built. The Sierra's extraordinary combination of power and style makes it as discriminating as the people who drive it. For information, visit us at www.gmcanada.com' or call 1-800-GM-DRIVE. CRI BAN GARE ATN WIPE YOUR BOOTS AT THE DOOR.