Permanent zoning for an explosives storage and distribution facility in East Luther Grand Valley near Luther Marsh appears to be moving ahead with an open house by the proponent March 3 and a public meeting to follow on April 14.

Both events begin at 7 p.m., and both are expected to overcrowd the township's council chambers.

The property at issue is owned by Klaus Friesecke, who has had "temporary" zoning for explosives storage for about 15 years. Mr. Friesecke could not be reached for comment, but is a party to an Official Plan Amendment, zoning change and site plan agreement along with Chris Pattison, representing Orica, the company that hopes to achieve the permanent zoning approval.

Australia-based Orica, which boasts of its continuing profitability in its annual statement for 2008, says on its website that it employs more than 14,000 in 50 countries.

Despite glowing company reports, a number of outstanding issues may attract more than a few opponents to the rezoning.

Among those, resident Dianne Sevenco recently provided township council with copies of several news reports of near-disasters resulting from ammonium nitrate explosions in highway accidents.

It is the transport and storage of ammonium nitrate that concerns nearby resident Peter Turrell, who points to a confirmed news report from Australia of a $167-million Orica cleanup of a spill in Brisbane Bay.

Mr. Turrell's concern is for the Luther Marsh and, as well, the aquifer in the event of a major spill. He says he has been unable to find any professional who would know how to deal with ammonium nitrate spills or seepage into the water.

Also at issue is whether there ever has been an environmental assessment. The federal government, which licenses such facilities, says there has been, but township planner Tracey Atkinson didn't have one on file.

Orica representatives recently told this newspaper that the design of the facility is compartmentalized in such a way as to ensure safety. As well, a chart of the setbacks indicates there would be no physical risk to area residents in the event of an explosion.