Dealing with off-site concerns

As part of the overall cleanup project, the ministry committed to defining the extent of any off-site environmental problems associated with the Deloro Mine Site, including the potential for contamination in the former village of Deloro and in the Moira River watershed. Soil samples taken beyond the boundaries of the mine site in late 1997 showed the presence of arsenic, cobalt, nickel, silver and other heavy metals. Airborne pollutants released during nearly 100 years of mining and refining are the most likely cause of this contamination.

These preliminary findings were reviewed with the local Medical Officer of Health and, after consultation, the ministry concluded there was a need for further investigation. In 1998, the ministry, in cooperation with the Hastings and Prince Edward Counties Health Unit and the Ministry of Health, launched the Deloro Village Environmental Health Risk Study. The study examined total exposure to contaminants through air, soil, drinking water and food to determine if elevated levels of contaminants were present. It also examined the potential for health risks in the community. The final report, released in July 1999, found the village is a safe community- there is no significant link between contamination and health risk for the people living in Deloro.

In December 1998, the ministry also launched a detailed study of the Moira River system to examine the environmental impact of historical contamination from the abandoned mine site on the Moira River. The draft report, released for public consultation August 2000, and the final report, released in April 2001 found that despite the presence of historical contamination in the river system, there is no adverse effect on aquatic life and little or no health concern for residents.

The ministry is maintaining contact and consultation with those groups, agencies and people who are potentially affected by their proximity to the Deloro Mine Site. The ministry meets with three project liaison committees to keep them informed and to gather input and comments on the cleanup.

The ministry’s efforts to this point have significantly decreased arsenic concentrations and loadings to the Moira River, but more work is needed. The final cleanup plan will be designed to result in the control and secure containment of all types of contamination at the site - from arsenic to radioactivity.