SLUDGE VICTIMS

The suit describes the matenal as a stew of organic and inorganic materials, including human and animal fecal waste and a variety of heavy metals and chemicals. While court documents allege the centre was a source of a moderate level of odour since it opened, and began storing sewage material from the region, things allegedly got really bad soon after they started to store Toronto waste in an apparently unlined and uncovered lagoon in late 1996. Officials used straw on top of the gunk to help control the stench.

"As the amount of material in the lagoon increased, so, generally, did the stink and odour," the suit reads.

In 1999, officials -- according to the Eagles'suit - agreed to store even more Toronto waste in the lagoon. Things went from bad to worse.

The family believes, and the suit alleges, that as well as the sickly and possible noxious smell, the facility overfilled the lagoon to the point where it may have contaminated surrounding lands and water sources, notably the 16 Mile Conservation Watershed and aquifers feeding the wells of local residents.

"The plaintiffs_quality of life and health has been so severely compromised that the plaintiffs are no longer able to tolerate conditions in their home," the suit reads in the last line.

A spokesman for Azurix said it plans to fight the suit, but couldn't say anything more because of the pending action. While the municipality has also notified the Eagles that it will be defending itself, an official could not be reached yesterday to say more.

However, recently, the region announced that an internal audit found the site complied with provincial guidelines. But that doesn't smell right to the Eagles, who say this backyard should be a retreat, instead of having to retreat..
Local politicians, Allan argues, have let his family down.

During a speech to the municipal board, when she opposed the recent re-licencing of the facility, Laurie told the councillors: "This is my backyard, and maybe the outcome ... would be different if this was in your backyard."