More Work Needed to Determine Source of Sediment
More work is required to determine the source of sediment found in several basements in the Frederick Street area of Sydney.
"Test results from several homes in the area indicate traces of arsenic consistent with the range found in natural soils in Nova Scotia," said Environment Minister Michel Samson. "This poses no health risk, but given the level of anxiety that exists within the community, the province is prepared to temporarily relocate residents who found sediment in their basements."
"The concentration of chemicals identified in basements does not pose a threat unless there is direct contact on an ongoing basis, particularly by young children," said Dr. Jeff Scott, provincial medical officer. "I appreciate the concern of residents about having chemicals in basements. It causes stress, which is a health risk in itself."
Dr. Scott recommends the basements be cleaned and remediated to stop the source of the leak.
Mr. Samson said that given the emotional distress some residents have been experiencing, he is offering temporary relocation to those affected. "Over the weekend, we have identified staff who will meet with each family to determine their needs, and we'll go from there."
The Department of the Environment is working on a plan with other government agencies to solve this issue. That plan will take time and may require intrusive exploration and testing be conducted around homes as well as the former coke ovens site and Devco property.
"The information collected over the past 18 months has been in response to isolated events, and collectively the data have not been conclusive in identifying the source," said the minister. "We are unable to determine if the contamination has resulted from years of coal-burning on these properties, is originating from the coke ovens site, or is from a combination of both."
Interpreting test results is complicated by the fact that existing guidelines are for soil, or drinking water, and don't offer a compatible comparison in this case because the material is a mixture of water and sediment.
Arsenic occurs naturally in soil in Nova Scotia and ranges from 0.6 to 657 parts per million. Test samples taken recently from the original railbed seep suggests arsenic at a level of 49 parts per million, which is within the range typically seen in Cape Breton coal.
Concerns of residents in the surrounding area are being addressed by Department of Environment staff who can be reached at 902-563-2100 or 1-800-705-2388.