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.
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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.
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