October 29, 1999
(Environment and Labour)

Minister announces results of environmental study at Westport

Oliver Langdon, Minister of Environment and Labour, announced the results of the study conducted by Agra Earth and Environmental into environmental conditions in the Town of Westport. Agra was contracted by Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro at the request of the Minister of Environment and Labour to undertake a soil sampling program at the site of the former Hydro diesel generating plant and surrounding area. Agra also collected water samples from the community water supply and the distribution system on behalf of the Department of Environment and Labour.

"The study concludes that there are levels of hydrocarbons that exceed government standards on the site of the Hydro diesel plant that will require further clean-up," said Minister Langdon. "Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro is in the process of developing a work plan for this cleanup which must be approved by the Government Service Centre on behalf of the Department of Environment and Labour."

The report also concludes that trace levels of PCBs well below cleanup criteria were detected at one site on the Hydro property and at two locations unrelated to the plant site.

Minister Langdon stated that water quality samples show the town's water supply to be similar to that of many communities in the province. "The laboratory reports show no levels of chemical contaminants in the water supply exceeding the guidelines, but bacteria does exist and consequently an existing boil order will remain in effect," he said. "Boil orders are necessary when communities do not chlorinate or disinfect their water supply.

"Having reviewed the Agra study, and based on advice provided by my department and staff of the Government Service Centre, I am comfortable that the environmental assessment that was carried out by Agra has been very exhaustive and that the report we have received accurately reflects environmental conditions at the Hydro site and surrounding areas."

"What we set out to do, and what I believe we have done, is determine whether or not environmental factors are contributing to cancer and illness in the town," said the minister. "I believe that Agra's extensive study of the area effectively eliminates the Hydro plant as a source of environmental and health impact."

An epidemiological study undertaken by Dr. Sharon Buehler on behalf of the Department of Health and Community Services will be completed this week and presented to the community next week. Dr. Buehler is examining the most recent statistics relating to cancer rates in Westport.

Media contact: Sean Kelly, Director of Communications, (709) 729-2575.

1999 10 29                9:05 a.m.