Tag: tested

4 of 12 soil sites tested after AIM fire show higher than expected levels of metals, chemicals

The Department of Health has updated its guidance on garden produce and cannabis that may have been exposed to smoke from the massive fire at American Iron and Metal’s scrapyard three months ago in Saint John, after four of 12 soil sampling sites showed “higher than expected levels of metals or chemicals.”

But health officials don’t believe the elevated results are related to the AIM fire, according to Dr. Kimberly Barker, regional chief medical officer of health.

“While the AIM fire has likely impacted soil quality in the city, our findings do not suggest it has impacted soil to the point that it poses a risk to the health of citizens,” she said in a statement.

According to the department “there are several possible explanations for the elevated results.”

None have been provided, but a guide Public Health has developed on growing garden edibles in urban and industrial areas indicates soil in some communities naturally contains different levels of metals and chemical compounds. “Urban areas, in particular, may contain higher levels of soil pollutants due to heavy traffic and other sources of environmental pollutants such as local industrial activities,” it says.

The four sites with elevated test results require further investigation, the department said.

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Public Health also plans to review the report released Tuesday by the task force that examined the AIM fire to determine if further actions are required.

The fire, which started around 1:30 a.m. on Sept. 14 and burned for roughly 40 hours, prompted a city-wide shelter in place order because of hazardous smoke.

The exact cause and origin of the “catastrophic” fire was inconclusive, but Attorney General Ted Flemming, who was a member of the task force, said investigators believe the likely cause

Huron County beaches tested for E.coli during the summer for safety

The Huron County Health Department has started its routine sampling of bathing beach waters for this year.

The sampling looks for dangerous levels of E. coli in the water and monitors the bacteria. If needed the health department will close beaches until they are deemed safe. A press release stated that sampling was scheduled to be collected once a week beginning on June 5 and going through Aug. 29. 

Thirteen beaches from White Rock to Sebewaing are sampled with three samples collected each time at around 3 to 6 feet deep of water. 

“(E. coli levels) can fluctuate a lot depending on rainfall, runoff, and wind direction and speed,” said Tip MacGuire, health officer and environmental health director for the Huron County Health Department. “Last year we had a total of 10 closures at five different beaches during the whole bathing season.” 

The level that they are searching for is 300 E. coli colonies in 100 ml of water (around half a cup of water). Any sample of water with that level or higher would cause a beach to be closed down until levels are back to a safe standard, which is set by the state.

“E. coli and fecal coliform bacteria indicate that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes,” said MacGuire “Drinking water with these wastes can cause short-term illness, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms.”

E. coli enters the water several ways, whether it is through industrial discharge, agricultural/urban/stormwater runoff, watercraft activities, and eroded soil just to name a few. The press release notes that most strands of E. coli are not dangerous, however it can indicate the presence of other disease-causing bacteria.

The health department says that residents can help by monitoring their sewage disposal systems, properly disposing of pet

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