Choking back tears, Juanita McKenzie pleaded for "someone out there" to acknowledge that residents of Frederick Street in Whitney Pier are living on a human health hazard.
    McKenzie and several other Frederick Street residents held a press conference on the street Thursday afternoon, in response to comments made Wednesday by the province's chief medical officer, Dr. Jeff Scott.
    Following the release of a detailed report on toxic contamination in the Frederick Street area Wednesday, Scott said based on test results so far, the current situation on the street presents no immediate health risk to the residents.
    McKenzie said samples of soil tested after a yellow goo was found oozing out of a brook bank near the street earlier this year showed levels of toxins -- including lead, PAGs and arsenic -- "much higher than the CCME (Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment) guidelines, which are laws made by our government to protect the public."
    The residents were "disturbed" by Scott's response, she added.
    "When somebody already has their mind made up, it tends to make you feel a little apprehensive."
    Results of tests done on blood and hair samples collected from the residents are expected next week.
    "We're hoping that nothing shows up in any of  us, especially the children," McKenzie said.  "But on the other hand, if nothing shows up at all, that leaves us still on this street with them saying 'Okay, we've proven that this is not a danger to the people living here' -- and yet we still have all these toxins."
    The residents are still asking to be relocated and are now looking for action from their elected representatives.
    "Where are Russell MacLellan and the Liberals?  We demand immediate action from our elective officials, to come down and talk to us and acknowledge that we're living on a human health hazard," McKenzie said.
    "We do not want this street to be the death of us or our children.  Please, someone out there help us."
    The residents have been visited by MP Peter Mancini (NDP Sydney-Victoria), provincial New Democrat Leader Robert Chisholm and provincial Tory Leader Dr. John Hamm, who keeps in regular contact with McKenzie.  progressive Conservative environment critic Jim DeWolfe will tour Frederick Street at 4pm today.
    McKenzie also made a plea for moral support from the community at large.
    "We need help from the whole community," she said.  "I know the Pier is a very close knit community and we're asking for the help and support of everyone."
    Frederick Street borders the north side of the former coke ovens site, part of the , which includes the notorious Sydney tar ponds, containing 700,000 tonnes of toxic sludge left behind from nearly a century of steel making.
    The area is fenced in with signs posted, warning of a human health hazard.
    The province is currently conducting yet another health study in the area.  CANTOX Environmental Inc., a scientific consulting firm specializing in health risk assessment, has already been on the street to begin interviews with residents.
Next Article:  Proof of toxins sounds alarm
Halifax Chronicle Herald, July 24, 1998
 

PREMIER RUSSELL MacLELLAN 

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