New Brunswick releases soil samples
09/05/2007
by -- HazMat Management
www.hzmatmag.com
Fredericton, NB - Analysis of soil samples collected from two properties in the Grand Lake area near Fredericton has detected levels of arsenic exceeding the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment's Canadian Soil Quality Guideline.
The New Brunswick Department of Environment collected composite soil samples at 10 properties in the Grand Lake area on July 10 to 11, 2007.
"This testing was done in response to concerns expressed by area residents," said Mark Glynn, an engineer with the department.
The department subsequently analyzed the 10 soil samples and found that arsenic concentrations in two were 22 milligrams per kilogram and 94 mg/kg, both of which are above the soil quality guideline of 12 mg/kg for arsenic.
The Canadian Soil Quality Guideline is a benchmark used by environment departments in Canada. A concentration of arsenic that exceeds the guideline does not necessarily pose any significant health risk but it does indicate that further study of the site in question is warranted.
Although these two samples were taken from properties located near the Grand Lake Generating Station property, it is not yet known whether or not emissions from the generating station are the source of the arsenic concentrations. However, NB Power, which operates the facility, will hire an independent expert to assess the soil and water data collected in the Grand Lake area.
In order to ensure that there were no errors in the initial results, the Department of Environment took more soil samples on August 2, 2007, from the two properties where arsenic in excess of the soil quality guideline had been detected. Subsequent analysis again detected concentrations of arsenic in excess of the guideline. The arsenic concentrations in the second set of soil samples were 35 mg/kg and 88 mg/kg.
The Department of Environment also collected samples of lake water from Grand Lake on Aug. 12, 2007, and analysis of these is underway.
Existing drinking water data from wells in the area near the generating station indicate that there are no impacts on groundwater.
As a precaution, the department will conduct sampling and analysis of about 20 additional domestic wells that are located within 500 metres of the power plant property.
Arsenic is a naturally occurring element that can lead to health problems for humans if exposure occurs over a long period of time, either through ingestion of soil, by drinking water with a high concentration of arsenic, or through inhalation.
"To reduce exposure to arsenic in soil, simple precautions should be taken, such as carefully scrubbing fruits or vegetables grown in soil with a high concentration of arsenic, and washing hands before eating," said Dr. Cristin Muecke, Medical Officer of Health for Region 3.
More information on arsenic and its impact on human health can be found at http://www.gnb.ca/0053/factsheets/pdf/arsenic-e.pdf or by visiting the Department of Health's website at http://www.gnb.ca/health and searching in the Public Health section under Public Health Information.
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(Source: HazMat Management, August 31, 2007, www.hzmatmag.com)
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