Backup Plans in Place for Contaminated Soil
Public meeting raises questions and provides answers on arsenic-contaminated soil in Sturgeon Falls.
In a rare scene last night, Council Chambers had a viewing audience for an environmental meeting. Several community members plus West Nipissing’s mayor, Kathleen Thorne-Rochon filled the chairs to hear the important West Nipissing Environmental Services (WNES) deliberations.
The number one item on the agenda was the controversial acceptance of a large quantity of contaminated soil. It was reported last month, that the Sturgeon Falls landfill had accepted to be the sole receiver of the contaminated soil from a large remediation project at Serpent River First Nation (SRFN) near Elliot Lake.
The federal government is funding the remediation of soil at a former acid plant mine where the soil contains high concentrations of arsenic. West Nipissing has so far accepted 8,000 metric tonnes of the soil from SRFN and much more is expected in 2025. The soil in question has led to severe deforestation, chronic health problems and impacts on the water table for SRFN.
In a release to the board last week, West Nipissing’s Director of Infrastructure, Elizabeth Henning indicated that tests have been performed on the soil being received. Arsenic levels have been measuring at 67 to 430 µg/g (parts per million). While this soil cannot stay in SRFN, Henning noted that this is below the municipality’s acceptable threshold.
It was also pointed out that West Nipissing profits significantly from the growing acceptance of other community’s contaminants. West Nipissing received $237,378 last year from the SRFN project.
Backup plans in place
Yesterday, WNES’s manager, the Director of Infrastructure and the town’s CAO were all on hand to answer questions.
When asked regarding contingency measures, the Director told the board that they routinely tested nearby groundwater and surface water to see if the contaminated soil was having an impact. Without providing specifics, the board was told that backup plans are ready if ever the water table was to be affected. They noted that the municipality also has insurance that would protect them if there were any long-term ramifications.
Councillor Rivard Backs Project
Ward 1 Councillor Kris Rivard, a Green Party candidate in the upcoming provincial election, reiterated his support for the project. Rivard downplayed the risks, attributing public concern to misinformation, and criticized fellow board members for requesting additional information. He characterized the acceptance of contaminated soil as standard practice.
When asked for comment about his support of this project and any concerns regarding the project, Rivard responded: “Stop trying to present this in a negative light.”
Call for Transparency
Board member Dave Lewington advocated for increased transparency and proposed suspending regular meeting procedures to allow public questions. Councillor Kaitlynn Nicol seconded the motion, enabling several community members to voice their concerns.
After extensive discussion, the board acknowledged the need for better public communication. Staff were directed to issue a press release providing more detailed information in the near future.
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It never ceases to amaze me the arrogance of politicians, brings to mind the old saying "trust me we are with the government". This topic is disturbing on many levels but its ironic that Elizabeth Henning claims that out of the goodness of the Federal Governments heart they are footing the bill for remediation in SRFN and to a windfall being transported to Sturgeon Falls Landfill. Miraculously the arsenic levels have diminished to an acceptable level to eliminate concerns. Who performed these tests on the soil? Who had a input as to where this soil would be evaluated? I have questions as to the credibility of the vendor performing the test and on what spectrum of contaminants. Obviously if the soil is at an acceptable level it would be more cost effective and prudent to leave in SRFN where the its "safe" and taxpayers are not burdened by the expense. Makes me wonder if this was the same testing structure performed on the recent water test in Vernor?Another question is to a comment of the Municipality having "insurance" if a problem presented itself. Where is the protection for the wildlife and residents proactively? Democracy does not end after election and transparency is not up to interpretation.
Anybody who will accept this explanation surely deserves the representation that is in place and makes me sad for the future of our community and generation.
If by extensive discussion from the public you mean the "one question one answer " that's it shut up community inclusion that was afforded extensive with very little clarity and the municipal concerns addressed as BLA BLA BLA by those not taking the environment and people's health seriously; just the money it generates that fuel slush funds and pensions you have no say in but your one question. There is no real leadership here just Provincial mandates and there won't be any of these leadership here once they unalive members of your beloved community when running with pockets full they have gone. Fund it then eat it sad to say. Good luck with that. I'm a Walkerton water tragedy survivor watching history repeat itself when leadership there said they would never risk citizens lives again with foolishness and incompetence.
Kind regards to those deserving
Sovereign