===== A message from the 'toxicscaucus' discussion list =====

From: Russell Lahti <ruslahti@kootenay.com>
Subject: Erickson chlorination battle
21 July 1999
For immediate release:

Kootenay Chlorination battle closer to a possible resolution

A resolution of the ongoing court battle over chlorination in Erickson may be on the horizon.

On Tuesday, the Erickson Water Users Society, the Erickson Water Action Group, the Erickson Improvement District, and the East Kootenay Medical Health Officer agreed to adjourn the hearing of the court case to November 9-12. 

The 3 1/2 month adjournment will allow all four parties to the case to meet and propose a settlement satisfactory to all. Russell Lahti, Chair of the Water Users said "We don't object to water treatment; we just want to see it done by safer alternatives to chlorine. We want to work with the other parties to see that an acceptable treatment system gets installed and gets working". The Water Users have suggested options such as well-water and filtration in combination with ultraviolet light. However, Mr. Lahti said the Water Users are open to any solution that doesn't involve chlorine.

The court case challenges an order issued by the Medical Health Officer, which requires the Erickson Improvement District to chlorinate the water it provides to 3000 consumers in the area. During the adjournment period, the order will not be enforced. Mr. Justice Melnick confirmed in court that the adjournment was on the same terms as the earlier adjournment in June.
As a result, protesters will not blockade the road leading to the Arrow Creek water works, and chlorine will not be added to the water.

A negotiated settlement would be in the best interests of all four parties.
Ellen Samuelson, an active member of the Water Action Group, said "All parties realize that this case is just the beginning: if we don't reach an agreement and settle it, then no matter who wins we'll all be back in court for appeals, injunctions, trials, more appeals. It's better to reach a settlement that everyone can live with."

The local citizens' struggle against forced chlorination has been going on for years. Initially it was led by the elected trustees of the Erickson Improvement District. Later it was joined by determined residents. The residents eventually formed two groups--the Erickson Water Users Society and the Water Action Group. The grassroots movement against chlorination has steadily been gaining momentum across the province, as other individuals and groups have heard of the Erickson Water Users' court case.

The court case, begun last April by the Erickson Water Users Society, was supported by the Sierra Legal Defense Fund. SLDF lawyer Dave Thompson  is representing the Water Users in the court case.

For more information, you may contact:

David Thompson, Staff Lawyer Russell Lahti, Chairman
Sierra Legal Defense Fund Erickson Water Users Society 
Tel: (604) 685-5618 Tel: (250) 428-7829
Fax: (604) 685-7813 Fax: Same as above

Ralph Moore Elvin Masuch, Chairman
Water Action Group Board of Trustees
Tel: (250) 428-7479 Erickson Improvement District
Tel: (250) 428-4461
Ellen Samuelson
Water Action Group
Tel: (250) 428-5841
--
Peter Ronald
Tel: 250.361-3621
Fax: 250.361-3682
Email: impulse@islandnet.com
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