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Backgrounder

June 19, 2003

Sudbury Soils Study

Introduction

The Ministry of the Environment has been sampling soil and vegetation in the Sudbury area since the early 1970s. Previous studies have focused on concentrations of metals and other elements in soil, as well as in vegetables and berries. In September of 2001, the ministry released a summary report called Metals in Soil and Vegetation in the Sudbury Area. This report included results of sampling and testing conducted in 2000 as well as previously unreported results dating back to 1971. This sampling , along with the previous sampling, was initiated to assess the environmental impact of local mining and smelting operations in the area over the past 100 years.

The Metals in Soil and Vegetation in the Sudbury Area report released in 2001 confirmed that some metals and arsenic are elevated in the Sudbury basin. 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 those found in other Ontario mining communities where elevated soil concentrations are found as a result of historical mining activity.

As recommended in the Metals in Soil and Vegetation in the Sudbury Area report, released in 2001, a Human Health Risk Assessment (HHRA) and an Ecological Risk Assessment (ERA) are underway for the City of Greater Sudbury. The Human Health Risk Assessment will assess potential human health risks to residents related to exposure to arsenic and metals from soil, water, food, and air. The Ecological Risk Assessment will focus on potential risks to terrestrial and aquatic wildlife and ecosystem health of the Sudbury area from metals and arsenic in soils. Six community partners, committed to maintaining a healthy environment in Sudbury, have the responsibility to oversee this rigorous soil study. The community partners are, the Ministry of the Environment, the Sudbury and District Health Unit, the City of Greater Sudbury, Health Canada’s First Nations and Inuit Health Branch, Inco Limited and Falconbridge Limited

Based on the current understanding of soil levels in Sudbury, and similar studies for other Ontario communities, both the Ministry of the Environment and the Medical Officer of Health believe there are no expected immediate health concerns due to the levels of metals and arsenic in Sudbury soils.

As you may be aware the Sudbury and District Health Unit has issued a letter to Falconbridge residents advising them on how to reduce exposure to arsenic in their soils. Arsenic levels in the Falconbridge area are higher compared to other communities within the City of Greater Sudbury.

The Metals in Soil and Vegetation in the Sudbury Area report releaed in 2001, also recommended that more soil samples be taken from sensitive land-use areas, such as public parks, schools, and residential areas. These samples were taken in 2001. The 2001 soil survey results will be made available to the public by the Sudbury Soils Study Technical Committee later this year.

Findings of the 2001 Soil Survey

The 2001 soil survey involved the collection of over 10,000 samples from hundreds of different locations. Public spaces sampled included schools, day cares centres, parks and beaches in the City of Greater Sudbury. Residential areas were also sampled, including properties around the three industrial centres of Copper Cliff, Coniston, and Falconbridge. Commercial gardens and local wild berries were also sampled.

The sampling results reconfirm that emissions from over 100 years of mining, smelting and refining have resulted in elevated levels of metals and arsenic in the soil over a large area. Levels of nickel, copper, lead, cobalt and arsenic levels are highest in the areas around the three industrial centres of Copper Cliff, Coniston, and Falconbridge. These current findings are consistent with historical ministry results.

Next steps

Since metals and arsenic are elevated in the Sudbury area, further studies have been initiated. The ministry, along with the City of Greater Sudbury, Health Canada, Inco Ltd., Falconbridge Ltd., and the local Medical Officer of Health are members of the Sudbury Soils Study Technical Committee, which has been formed to direct the Sudbury Soils Study human health and ecological risk assessments. The SARA Group, the study consultant, was hired in December 2002, and the work began in January 2003. The study is expected to be completed in 2005.

A Public Advisory Committee (PAC) has also been formed to provide public input into the Sudbury Soils Study. The PAC meets regularly at Cambrian College. The public at large is invited to attend these meetings. Meetings for the remainder of 2003 are scheduled for September 16 and November 18.

For further information

For further information on the soil sampling conducted by the Ministry of the Environment in Sudbury, please contact the Sudbury District Office information hotline at (705) 564-3011.

All reports and general information on arsenic and metals in the environment – including nickel, cobalt, lead and copper – are available from the Sudbury District Office or from the ministry’s website at www.ene.gov.on.ca.. Information on the Sudbury Soils Study can be found at www.sudburysoilsstudy.com. or by calling 1-866-315-0228.