Friday, August 14, 1998
Cape Breton Post
More sampling recommended
New report calls for another look at Whitney Pier toxic
soil problem
BY STEVE MACINNIS
Cape Breton Post
With the confirmed
presence of chemical contamination on Frederick Street, a new report is
recommending further soil sampling throughout the Whitney Pier area.
"I think it
is very important that such a study be done in the other areas," says Christine
Moore, eastern region vice-president of CANOTX Environmental Inc. which
released its findings this week of a health assessment study of Frederick
Street.
In the company's
final report, CANTOX recommended a more detailed off-site migration study
for the entire coke ovens site be conducted to determine the degree of
migration in other residential neighborhoods.
"If migration
is found to be occurring in other areas adjacent to the coke ovens, appropriate
health studies should be conducted to determine whether there are exposures
of significance from a health perspective," states the report.
In addition,
the report suggests a monitoring program be established to monitor areas
where off site migration has been reported. Should exposures be found
at levels dangerous to health, engineered solutions to prevent or minimize
exposure may be recommended.
The recommendation
will be taken to the Joint Action Group (JAG)," said Germaine LeMoine,
spokesperson for JAG.
She said the
matter will be referred to the group's Environmental Data Gathering and
Remedial Options working group.
Soil tests
on Frederick Street have produced elevated levels of several chemicals
including arsenic and the exact source of the contamination has not been
identified.
It is suspected
the contamination is coming from the nearby coke ovens site which is part
of an area now targetted for Canada's most ambitious remediation project
-- ridding Sydney of the toxic soup left behind after nearly a century
of steel-making.
The CANTOX
report and blood and hair testing done on 40 Frederick Street residents
have concluded there is no fear for long-term adverse health effects.
Such a finding
did not sit well with residents who can't understand why living near what
many consider to be North America's worst toxic industrial waste site is
a healthy experience.
The residents
will continue to fight to be relocated and have engaged their own toxicologist
and lawyer.
The CANTOX
report also encourages Frederick Street and others to become involved in
the JAG process.
Formed in
1996, JAG is mandated to develop a community-based remediation plan for
the which includes the coke ovens site and the tar
ponds.
"This should
be everyone's issue and should be at the top of everyone's agenda," said
LeMoine, adding she hopes the report's recommendations will translate into
more public participation in the process.
Next
Article - More toxins enroute to Frederick Street
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