Dear editor,
Adjacent landowners and area residents are deeply concerned about the impact a proposed shotgun range four miles northwest of Thorsby will have on the quality of life of area residents. There are many concerns brought forward by area residents including lead contamination entering the Strawberry Creek, which is one of the major tributaries for the North Saskatchewan River.
The shotgun range is proposed to take place in the watershed zone of the Strawberry Creek. All towns and cities including Thorsby, Devon, Leduc, Calmar and Edmonton downstream from Strawberry take their water from the river.
Lead contamination is a real concern and is linked to many health problems. Studies have proven the health risks of shooting ranges and lead to children, families and the environment including lead poisoning causing irreversible health impairments such as damage to central nervous systems, kidney disease, high blood pressure, anemia and brain damage has a direct link to violent criminal behaviour.
Wildlife consuming even a small amount of pellets is another danger. Other concerns include a very real noise problem, a large volume of traffic, and the disruption of a major wildlife corridor.
The Strawberry Creek area is one of only a few untouched, pristine areas left in Leduc County. Let’s not let the commercial interest of a few disrupt this environmentally sensitive area and jeopardize the lifestyle of area residents.
We encourage all concerned citizens to contact the Leduc County planning department.
Bruce Tegart, Leduc County