Your editorial of July 10 brushing off Michael Palin's "drain smell" comments is a disappointing and embarrassing case of shooting the messenger. Prince George does have an air quality problem. In addition P.G. has a major image problem. I'm not sure these issues can be solved by suggesting that Sheffield might be worse.
You state many times in many ways that no-one has died from the drain smell. How do you know this? To my knowledge the study of the chemical composition of the "drain smell" (I like the smell of money better!) has only recently begun. It seems premature for the editor of The Citizen to declare that the odour causing chemicals are safe.
Before the editor, or others, attempt to shoot this messenger too, I would like to say that I have lived in P.G. 37 years, raised four kids here, like it here and plan to stay. Air quality in P.G. has improved and hopefully will get much better after the Canfor upgrades. Husky is starting to pay attention. New projects are now considered in the light of their effect on AQ. Now if only we could get CN to sort out their dust and locomotive exhaust problems!
Laurie Cook
