Sudbury soils study

The Sudbury Soils Study began in 2001 in response to a Ministry of the Environment (MOE) recommendation related to metal levels in soil. The study was commissioned by mining companies Vale (formerly INCO) and Glencore -Sudbury Integrated Nickel Operations (formerly Falconbridge/Xstrata Nickel).

The study, known as a human health and ecological risk assessment, was led by a stakeholder committee formed by members of the MOE, Sudbury & District Health Unit, City of Greater Sudbury, Vale, Sudbury Integrated Nickel Operations, and the First Nations and Inuit Health branch of Health Canada.

More than 14,000 samples from soil, dust, water, air, drinking water, vegetables, fish, and food were collected and analyzed for metal levels. Sampling was focused on locations in proximity to current or historic metal production sites and included residential properties, parks, daycares, school properties, and beach areas. Metals included in the analysis were arsenic, cobalt, copper, lead, nickel, and selenium.

Details of the study and results can be found by visiting the Sudbury Soils Study website.

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This item was last modified on April 27, 2016