Why did it take so long to receive results from the 2001 MOE surveys?
The 2001 survey carried out in Sudbury was the largest soil sampling program undertaken in Ontario. More than 1,000 locations were sampled and 10,000 samples were analyzed. Organizing the results and ensuring data quality has been a long and time consuming process. On June 19, 2003, the MOE mailed out individual letters and sampling results to homeowners in the City of Greater Sudbury who participated in the 2001 soil survey. Each letter included only the results for the specific property of the owner. The level of metals and arsenic measured in yard soil, garden soil and garden vegetables, where applicable, was provided in the letters, as well as information on how to make an appointment with the Ministry to discuss the results in person.
