News Releases
Government Home Search Sitemap Contact Us  

Environment and Conservation
October 29, 2009

Soil Testing Results Available for Former Rail Bed in Botwood

The results from soil testing on the former rail bed in the Town of Botwood are now available and no immediate human health concerns have been identified. Although the results indicate the presence of heavy metals, the soil where the metals were detected is covered by a layer of gravel which essentially eliminates the potential for direct human contact with the impacted soils. These results are part of the ongoing environmental assessment by Conestoga Rovers and Associates on the former AbitibiBowater properties in Botwood.

�It is important for residents of Botwood to be aware that, while the samples do point toward exceedances of the recommended guidelines for soil quality along the former rail bed which is frequented by outdoor enthusiasts, this data does not indicate any immediate potential human health concerns,� said the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Environment and Conservation. �Our goal is to be open and transparent, and we are following up on a commitment we made to the town to inform them of the results of this testing.�

In late September, Conestoga Rovers and Associates began a Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) on AbitibiBowater properties in Botwood. As part of the assessment, samples were collected along the former rail bed which was a part of the infrastructure used to transport concentrate from the former mine in Buchans. While samples indicated some levels of arsenic, lead and zinc above the Canadian Council Of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) Residential Soil Quality Guidelines, no immediate potential human health risks have been identified.

�The samples which were collected did not come from exposed surface soil near any residential properties,� said Minister Johnson. �In fact, these samples were taken from below the ground surface, and it is highly unlikely that any human contact will occur. Bearing this in mind, we wanted to ensure the people of Botwood are well informed regarding the results of the soil assessments that were carried out along the rail bed.�

Government is currently reviewing the results and will determine if any further assessment is required.

- 30 -

Media contact:
Melony O�Neill
Director of Communications
Department of Environment and Conservation
709-729-2575, 689-0928
moneill@gov.nl.ca 

2009 10 29                                                    1:10 p.m.
 


SearchHomeBack to GovernmentContact Us


All material copyright the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. No unauthorized copying or redeployment permitted. The Government assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of any material deployed on an unauthorized server.
Disclaimer/Copyright/Privacy Statement