Raising a stink over Paris Star

A friendly eight-month truce between Plateau residents and the Paris Star textile factory has come to an end.

Last February, the MUC's environment department released test results which showed that Paris Star's emissions were too high, and gave the company 12 months to find a permanent solution. In the meantime, the company agreed to double-wash all its fabrics to reduce emissions and control the smell.

Recently, however, the smell has come back. "Over the past few weeks, the emissions have been as bad as ever," says Hazel Field, a longtime opponent of the factory, which is located at the corner of Rachel and St-Dominique. "I don't think they're double-washing anything right now. It's unacceptable for us to have to wait until February if this keeps up." Field and several other residents plan to demonstrate outside the factory this coming Saturday.

Paris Star manager Joe Hoffman says Field has it wrong. "I can tell you I am double-washing every fabric that goes through here," he assured the Mirror, adding that "the neighbours don't see eye-to-eye with us on anything."

But Rénald Francoeur, the engineer responsible for the Paris Star case at the MUC, says he won't discourage residents from protesting. "No matter what cosmetic steps the company takes, the problem is there," says Francoeur. "If the company doesn't act by February, I have no choice but to turn this file over for prosecution."

Paris Star is still working on a permanent solution for next February. For info on the demonstration, call 284-6735.

-Philip Preville