SUDBURY, February 17, 2003 – Partners in the Sudbury Soils Study are launching a website to increase public awareness of the process that will evaluate the potential for human health and ecological effects of metals found in the Sudbury area.
The site, at www.sudburysoilsstudy.com, includes background information and events leading up to the study, an introduction to the study partners and an overview of the work involved. The website also gives the public an opportunity to ask questions about the study and the process.
The Sudbury Soils Study is a community partnership created in response to Ministry of the Environment soil sampling programs. The ministry’s data indicates elevated levels of metals (nickel, copper, cobalt and arsenic) in Sudbury soils – generally close to the historic smelting sites of Coniston, Falconbridge and Copper Cliff. The Sudbury Soils Study is the most thorough study of its kind ever done in Ontario and will include comprehensive human health and ecological risk assessments.
“In addition to ensuring that the study is carried out to exacting scientific standards, partners in the study are committed to a process that is fundamentally accessible and transparent to the public,” says Dr. Chris Wren, Technical Committee spokesperson and a member of the Sudbury Area Risk Assessments (SARA) Group contracted to do the work. “The launch of this website is a step toward achieving that goal.”
The information on the website will be updated and supplemented by the Independent Process Observer’s Reports, minutes of the Public Advisory Committee meetings that are open to the public, information about open houses and other correspondence.
Partners in the Sudbury Soils Study include Inco Limited, Falconbridge Limited, Ministry of the Environment, Sudbury & District Health Unit, City of Greater Sudbury, and Health Canada, First Nations & Inuit Health Branch.
