Responding to Community Issues in 2007
Responding to Community Concerns
Community issues were raised at a number of operating sites in 2007, especially impacts on water. The following table illustrates how PotashCorp responded.
How PotashCorp Responded to Community Issues in 2007 |
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| Site | Issues/Concerns | Site Response |
Aurora |
In Aurora, the Pamlico Tar River Association is opposing the mining permit we are seeking. We received five odor complaints in 2007, four from the same person. One homeowner complained about impacts of groundwater withdrawal on their wellwater supplies north of the Pamlico River. |
We work with the Pamlico Tar River Association by trying to maintain dialogue with them and providing them with accurate information. We investigated each complaint and got in touch with the caller with the results of our investigation. On two occasions we notified the caller that due to a start-up and the wind directions, it could have been us. We apologized and asked the person to notify us if it happened again. We installed deep well pumps on the affected homeowner's wells. |
White Springs |
While declining, there is still a negative perception of the impact of White Springs phosphate mining operations on the local environment. | White Springs is addressing this issue through positive community outreach and education about mining. We conducted 38 site tours in 2007, which assisted in educating local groups about our mining process and environmental stewardship. |
Fosfatos do Brasil |
There were community concerns about dust emissions from our Fosfatos operations in Brazil. | Replacement of the cyclone in early 2008 will reduce emissions. |
Trinidad |
Community concerns at the Trinidad operations are related to odor, noise, emergency response and environmental impacts. | The facility has a 24-hour emission complaint telephone line to address concerns. It has the only emergency response truck and trailer in the industrial complex where it is located. The facility continues a dialogue with the community through organizations that include the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce, American Chamber of Commerce and Point Lisas Energy Association of CEOs. |
New Brunswick |
Wellwater problems are still being experienced by some households in Penobsquis. Residents were unhappy about the delays in bringing in piped water and raised health concerns over the condition of their temporary water systems. | The local government made a commitment to the residents to provide a regional water supply by developing a source well and constructing a pipeline to supply homes in the area by the end of 2007. However, the project was delayed until 2008. PotashCorp's New Brunswick division continues to supply drinking water and coolers to affected residents and made a commitment to provide funding for a portion of the water pipeline project. |
Allan |
A local farmer wrote to Saskatchewan Environment raising concerns about the integrity of the containment dykes, subsidence, flow of surface and ground water and the environmental impacts of potash mining. | A meeting was held with the resident to discuss his concerns. The General Manager responded in writing and reiterated that the site will work with any neighbors affected by mining operations to resolve problems. Saskatchewan Environment also replied to the resident and provided further information on environmental regulations pertaining to the potash industry. |
Patience Lake |
The community was concerned about rising lake levels due to two back-to-back years of above-normal precipitation and high run-off. | In 2007, the brine disposal well was reactivated to pump excess brine out and into the deadwood formation. A second disposal well will be installed in 2008. |