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September 12, 2001

Metals in Soil and Vegetation in the Sudbury Area

The Ministry's Sampling Program

The Ministry of the Environment has been sampling in the Sudbury area periodically since 1971. The ministry's current sampling program uses a systematic approach to sampling that includes taking samples from priority land-use areas, such as public parks or green spaces, schools, daycares and residential areas.

The ministry's sampling efforts will result in thousands of samples taken from hundreds of locations. The focus of sampling is in the Greater Sudbury area and in the areas around the three industrial centres of Copper Cliff, Coniston and Falconbridge.

As more information is obtained from the residential properties, school, parks and remote areas being sampled, the ministry will be able to produce soil contaminant contour maps that reflect the soil metal and arsenic levels that are likely to be found in various parts of the Greater Sudbury area.

A summary of the findings to date of previous sampling work was released on September 12, 2001, in a report issued by the ministry.

Findings of the Metals in Soil and Vegetation in the Sudbury Area Report

The Metals in Soil and Vegetation in the Sudbury Area report, along with previous reports, includes results of sampling and testing conducted in 2000, as well as findings dating back to 1971. This work was initiated to assess the environmental impact of mining and smelting operations in the area over the past 125 years. Previous studies have focused on concentrations of metals and other elements in soil, as well as in vegetables and berries.

The Metals in Soil and Vegetation in the Sudbury Area report was prepared as part of the ministry's commitment to provide residents with timely and accurate information about their environment. The report confirms that in soil in Sudbury and surrounding areas, metals are present in concentrations exceeding the ministry's Guideline for Use at Contaminated Sites.

The highest metal concentrations are typically found in the upper soil layers, indicating air emissions as the source.

The soil metal and arsenic levels currently known to exist in Sudbury are generally comparable or lower than found in other Ontario communities where community-wide soil contamination has occurred as a result of historical industrial activity.

The sampling results have been shared with the City of Greater Sudbury, INCO Ltd., Falconbridge Ltd., the Medical Officer of Health and others.

Comparison with other communities

In July 1999, the ministry completed the most comprehensive health risk study of its kind for arsenic and other metals in soils in the Village of Deloro. Similar studies were also carried out in Wawa. These studies concluded that there is not a significant link between contamination and health risks for residents of those communities. These findings were confirmed by an independent expert review.

A human health risk assessment study for Port Colborne is being reviewed and is scheduled for completion by the end of 2001.

Based on the current understanding of soil levels in Sudbury, and human health risk assessments (HHRA) conducted in other Ontario communities, both the Ministry of the Environment and the Medical Officer of Health believe there is no expected immediate risk to human health.

Other health-related concerns

Sudbury's drinking water supplies continue to meet all health-related Ontario Drinking Water Standards. While turbidity - or cloudiness - has been found in the David Street system, this problem will be addressed when the facility is upgraded to meet the requirements of the Drinking Water Protection Regulation.

The ministry will continue to monitor local water supplies through the requirements of its Drinking Water Protection Regulation.

As noted in the Guide to Eating Ontario Sportfish, there are restrictions on the consumption of fish caught in Ramsey Lake and the Wanapitei River. These restrictions are based on elevated mercury levels and are not related to any other metals.

Next steps

The Ministry of the Environment has and will continue to take all necessary measures to protect public health and the environment in the Sudbury area.

The ministry recently proposed new Control Orders for INCO Ltd. and Falconbridge Inc. requiring a 34 per cent reduction in allowable sulphur dioxide emissions commencing by December 31, 2006. With stack emissions being reduced, less metals will be deposited on the ground and in the environment.

Additionally, the Ministry of the Environment and Sudbury's Medical Officer of Health are requiring Sudbury's smelting companies - INCO Ltd. and Falconbridge Ltd. - conduct a human health risk assessment to determine if there are environmental health risks to residents.

The ministry is continuing to take samples to gain information necessary for the upcoming human health risk assessment study. As well, the ministry is providing expert instruction to INCO Ltd. and Falconbridge Ltd. to enable the companies to expedite sampling and lab analysis of data for the study.

For further information

In September, the ministry will host a series of public information sessions to discuss the results from all sampling to date and the upcoming human health risk assessment.

The sessions will be held:

Friday, September 14	Quality Inn and Conference Centre, 390 Elgin Street South. Senate Room. Noon to 9 p.m.
Saturday, September 15	Quality Inn and Conference Centre, 390 Elgin Street South. Senate Room. Noon to 5 p.m.
Tuesday, September 18	Ramada Inn City Centre Sudbury, 85 Ste. Anne Road, Sudbury. Palladium South Ballroom. Noon to 9 p.m.
Tuesday, September 25	Ramada Inn City Centre Sudbury, 85 Ste. Anne Road, Sudbury. Palladium South Ballroom. Noon to 9 p.m.

The ministry's local information hotline can be reached at (705) 564-3011.

Information on arsenic and various metals - including nickel, cobalt, lead and copper - are available from the Sudbury District Office or from the ministry's Web site at www.ene.gov.on.ca.

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