INNU EXPRESS RELIEF OVER SMELTER LOCATION DECISION
(Sheshatshiu) The Innu Nation expressed relief in reaction to the decision
by Inco to site a smelter/refinery complex in Argentia, rather than in
Labrador, but warned that there are many significant environmental and
social issues that must be resolved.
"The Inco announcement comes as a tremendous relief to the Innu", stated
Innu Nation President Peter Penashue. "Our territory is already under
assault. We are trying to deal with the implications of a proposed mine
in our territory, and we know that it is going to have serious social and
environmental effects. A smelter would have added to our problems."
Although Inco's decision to locate the smelter in Argentia is a favourable
decision from an Innu perspective, Penashue suggested that Newfoundlanders
have good reasons to be concerned.
"What we have learned about the serious environmental effects of smelters
suggests that Newfoundlanders should be asking hard questions and getting
answers from the company before they give this project a green light. I
hope that they will demand the best available technology and a
comprehensive and public environmental review of the smelter before any
more decisions are taken." concluded Penashue.
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Larry Innes Visit the Innu Nation WWW site:
Environmental Advisor http://www.web.net/~innu/
Innu Nation
P.O. Box 119, Sheshatshiu, Labrador, Canada A0P 1M0
phone: (709) 497-8398 email: innuenv@web.net fax: (709) 497-8396