Minister's response to concerns raised by Halogenated Solvents Industry Alliance, Inc
Mr. Stephen Risotto
Executive Director
Halogenated Solvents Industry Alliance, Inc.
1300 Wilson Boulevard, 12th floor
Arlington VA 22209
U.S.A.
Dear Mr. Risotto:
I have fully and carefully considered your Notice of Objection. The information that you present with respect to declining levels of HCBD does not alter our conclusion that HCBD is persistent and bioaccumulative in accordance with Canadian regulations, that the presence of HCBD in the environment results primarily from human activities, and that HCBD is not a naturally occurring radionuclide or a naturally occurring inorganic substance.
As your letter does not provide any additional information with respect to the nature and extent of the danger posed by HCBD, I am not satisfied that the establishment of a Board of Review is warranted, and I therefore deny your request.
With respect to the specific concerns raised in your letter, a document summarizing and responding to all comments received during the 60-day comment period will be posted in early spring on the "CEPA Environmental Registry" Web site. You will be contacted directly when the document is available.
I look forward to continued dialogue between industry and Environment Canada, as we work to address concerns related to HCBD and other toxic substances.
Yours sincerely,
Stéphane Dion