Is the Sudbury Soils Study necessary?
In recent years, several studies have shown that there are some areas in Sudbury – generally close to the historic smelting sites of Coniston, Falconbridge and Copper Cliff – with elevated levels of arsenic, cobalt, copper, lead, nickel and selenium in the soil. Although these elements occur naturally in soils, higher amounts, generally found in the top 5 cm of soil, occur as a result of historical and current mining, smelting and refining activities. Since no previous studies have addressed the potential long-term exposure implications of Sudbury’s soil metal levels and the possible risk they may present to both human health and the environment, the MOE has asked Inco Ltd. and Falconbridge Ltd. to undertake the initial phase of the Sudbury Soils Study. It is one of the most comprehensive soil analyses ever done in Ontario.
