Findings of Soil and Groundwater Sampling

TRANSPORTATION/PUBLIC WORKS/JAG--Findings of Soil and Groundwater Sampling

Government partners involved in the tar ponds and former coke ovens cleanup in Sydney today released preliminary findings of soil and groundwater analyses in the Whitney Pier neighbourhood, north of the coke ovens site.

The preliminary findings show levels of some soil contaminants may warrant more detailed study, although provincial and federal health authorities found no immediate health risk to residents.

Sampling was done at the request of the Joint Action Group and the Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Labour, as part of the overall environmental site assessment of the former coke ovens property. The consulting firm JDAC Environment Ltd. collected surface and subsurface soil and groundwater samples, the majority from the middle-to-lower Frederick Street area adjacent to the coke ovens site.

Samples were analysed for inorganic and organic substances including trace metals, volatile organic compounds and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Samples were also checked for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins and furans.

Samples were compared with provincial guidelines and parameters established by CCME, the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment. Exceeding CCME guidelines indicates further action may be required, but not necessarily that a site has been contaminated from an outside source or that it poses an environmental or health risk.

These draft findings have yet to be reviewed or formally accepted by the Joint Action Group, the project management consultant or governments.

The findings, which will comprise a portion of a draft Coke Ovens Phase 2 environment site assessment report, include:

• Numerous subsurface soil samples show that properties have been landscaped or levelled at some point in the past, using fill material containing coal and coal ash from unidentified sources.

• Most surface soil samples also contain coal or coal ash.

• PAH levels in some surface soil samples exceed CCME guidelines.

• Trace metals such as arsenic and lead in some subsurface soil samples exceed CCME guidelines.

• PCBs were either undetected or far below CCME guidelines.

• Dioxin and furan levels were either undetected or far below CCME guidelines.

• Impact on groundwater was primarily in samples taken near the Sydney landfill.

• Discoloration and levels of iron or manganese in groundwater exceed CCME guidelines. This is common in Nova Scotia and is an aesthetic concern but not a health issue.

The JDAC Environment Ltd. report suggests some potential sources of contaminants but recommends additional study for such findings to be verified. This will be considered as part of the next phase (Phase 3) of the coke ovens site assessment.

The Nova Scotia Department of Health and Health Canada reviewed the data and found no immediate health risk to residents. In addition, an expert in health risk assessment has been asked to provide an independent evaluation of the data and any recommendations for further action.

The expert, Dr. Richard Lewis of HSA Engineers and Scientists of Tampa, Florida, will prepare a report within three weeks. Dr. Lewis’ work will be peer-reviewed by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, a world renowned U.S. government agency that specializes in public-health risk assessment.

A presentation on the soil and water analysis was outlined to a public meeting of Joint Action Group subcommittees responsible for health studies and environmental data-gathering and research on Tuesday, April 24, at Centre scolaire Étoile de l’Acadie on Inglis Street, Sydney.

Copies of the JDAC report are available for viewing at the McConnell Library in Sydney, the University College of Cape Breton library and through the Joint Action Group office at 320 Esplanade, Sydney.