FLIN FLON SOILS STUDY| INFORMATION CENTRE
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| why a study? |
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Why A Study? |
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Manitoba Conservation conducted sampling in August 2006 to determine the concentration and potential distribution of metals and other elements in the surface soils of Flin Flon, Manitoba (includes Channing) and neighbouring Creighton, Saskatchewan. Results of this preliminary assessment of soil conditions identified elevated concentrations of some elements, including arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury in some areas sampled. At some sites across the study area, the detected levels of one or more elements do not meet the recommended soil quality guidelines for human health, as defined by the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME). Past and present atmospheric emissions from the Hudson Bay Mining and Smelting Co., Limited (HBMS) smelter complex are a potential source of these elevated levels.
No expected immediate risk to human health While this preliminary assessment does not suggest that an immediate human health risk is present in this area, additional investigations are now underway to refine the information and determine if there are potential human health risks under certain exposure conditions. "Studies conducted around other Canadian mining and smelting operations with similar or higher levels of metals and arsenic in the soil have not shown any expected immediate risk to human health." Human Health Risk Assessment The HHRA is a follow-up study to the report by Manitoba Conservation (Concentrations of Metals and Other Elements in Surface Soils of Flin Flon, Manitoba, and Creighton, Saskatchewan, 2006; published July 2007). In response to this report, and in cooperation with the Manitoba and Saskatchewan provincial governments, HBMS will undertake a scientific investigation to better understand the nature of soil conditions in the area, and determine if exposure to these soils may present unacceptable, long-term health risks to residents and/or visitors to this area.
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