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Sound-Sorb Update
Ministry of the Environment
Central Region, York-Durham District
Issue #2 - April, 2004

As part of our ongoing commitment to informing and working with our stakeholders, the ministry is pleased to provide you with Issue #2 of the Sound-Sorb Update newsletter

Independent Expert Panel on Sound-Sorb Moving Forward

The ministry has established an Independent Expert Panel on Sound-Sorb to conduct an objective and scientific review and assessment of all existing and new data relating to Sound-Sorb. The Expert Panel’s findings will be used in the ministry’s decision-making process regarding Sound-Sorb.

The panel process was introduced during a public information session held on February 12, 2004 in Whitby, and the Panel’s first workshop was held on March 22, 2004.

Robb Ogilvie of Ogilvie, Ogilvie and Company, has been retained as the project facilitator to manage and coordinate this review. The panel is an independent body comprised of health and scientific experts including:

• Human Health Impact – Dr. Brian Gibson, Dr. Lesbia Smith and Dr. Len Ritter
• Hydrogeologist – Bill Blackport
• Air Quality – Dr. Anthony Ciccone
• Groundwater Quality – Dr. Les Evans
• Risk Management – Mark Chappel
• Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPHs) – Dr. Merv Fingas

The Panel also consists of a second tier of membership that represents a cross-section of concerned citizens, municipalities and the producers and users of Sound-Sorb. These members have an interest in this issue and will provide valuable input into the review process. Although Tier 2 members are not direct participants in the technical review, they can monitor the Panel discussions, ask questions for clarification and offer suggestions where appropriate.

The ministry remains committed to providing stakeholders and concerned citizens with the most accurate information as soon as it becomes available. This commitment will also apply to the Independent Expert Panel’s review of Sound-Sorb information.

Studies and Results

Groundwater Monitoring

Groundwater monitoring is ongoing at the Oshawa Skeet and Gun Club. The analysis of the June 2003 sampling was released on February 26, 2004. The results for the next round of sampling are currently being compiled.

Site Specific Risk Assessment

Cantox is working with Premier Environmental to ensure the scope of the SSRA represents the interests of the public

Bio-Aerosol Studies

The Bio-Aerosol study final report was re-issued and submitted to the ministry on February 13, 2004. This study looked at the generation, release and potential for human exposure to bio-aerosols (i.e., airborne particles containing bacterial, fungal spores and molds). The report was re-issued to include additional comments provided by the Bio-Aerosols Committee. Conclusions indicate that overall, the potential for bio-aerosol release is expected to be minimal.

Berm Studies

Madoc and Orillia Berm reports were released in January 2004. The findings indicate that there is consistency in composition among berms located in the province.

Sound-Sorb Berm Use and Construction Protocols

MOE York-Durham District staff has been meeting with representatives from Atlantic Packaging and Courtice Auto Wreckers to develop berm use and construction protocols.

Toxicity Leachate Extraction Procedure (TCLP)

In response to public request, the ministry conducted the TCLP on raw paper fiber biosolids collected from the Scarborough and Whitby plants of Atlantic Packaging. Over 88 parameters were tested and all values were found to be below detection limits.

Upcoming meetings

The Independent Expert Panel on Sound-Sorb is scheduled to meet again on May 26, 2004.

For more detailed information, please visit the ministry’s website at www.ene.gov.on.ca under the Land link.