Last evening, the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Environment and Conservation; the Honourable Paul Oram, Minister of Health and Community Services; and the Honourable Susan Sullivan, MHA Grand Falls-Windsor - Buchans, were in Buchans to discuss with town officials and residents the results of recent soil testing conducted in the town.

The testing results were received by the Provincial Government on Thursday, October 1, and an analysis by government officials occurred over this past weekend. The testing identified levels of heavy metals in some of the samples which exceed human health guidelines. A total of 12 samples were taken around the perimeter of the town, as well as 12 background samples taken outside the town.　 The results indicate that, of the heavy metals found, lead, arsenic, uranium, and antimony exceeded human health guidelines, with the lead values being of primary concern. Although lead is not a carcinogen, it can result in other adverse health impacts.

"As part of our ongoing communication with the people of Buchans concerning mine site remediation, we felt it important to bring this information forward in a timely fashion," said the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Environment and Conservation. "While this data is preliminary, it allows us to inform the town so appropriate measures can be taken to reduce their exposure while additional testing is ongoing."

Certain levels of heavy metals occur naturally in soil. While several of the heavy metals tested in the Buchans area have exceeded the recommended guidelines, it does not necessarily mean the soil is dangerous or that there is a health hazard. Taking precautions similar to those for soil lead should be effective in reducing exposure to these heavy metals.

Further testing and analysis on residential properties and public spaces will be carried out in Buchans. Blood lead level testing will also be arranged for the residents of the town.

"As a precautionary measure, arrangements have been made for children, aged two to six, and pregnant women to be tested at the A.M. Guy Health Centre in Buchans to confirm individual blood lead levels are within normal range," said Minister Johnson. "This will take place during the remainder of this week and into next week. Other residents who want to have their blood tested can call the health centre next week to make arrangements."

Minister Johnson also said that the Provincial Government will remediate the tailings spill area at the former Buchans mine site.

"We have listened to the environmental concerns raised by the residents of Buchans and, as such, we will also remediate the tailings spill area from the former mine site," said Minister Johnson. "Residents and town officials have expressed to us their issue with dust and sediments that originate in the tailings spill area, so we will address this matter."

Although the Provincial Government is proceeding with the remediation to ensure this issue is immediately addressed, it in no way absolves AbitibiBowater from any liability it holds to address environmental legacy issues.　 AbitibiBowater was the former owner of the Buchans mine site.

"I am very pleased that the health concerns and environmental issues resulting from this testing around the Town of Buchans are being addressed in such a timely manner," said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, MHA for Grand Falls-Windsor - Buchans. "This government has been both proactive and responsive to the concerns raised by the people of Buchans."

In the interim, the Department of Health and Community Services recommends the following precautionary measures for the residents of Buchans:

For more information on the sampling that was done, please contact Dan Michielsen, Department of Environment and Conservation, at 709-729-6697. For any health information, please contact Dr. Ann Roberts, Central Health, at 709-292-2454.

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