SOILS STUDY ASKING FOR VOLUNTEERS FOR RESIDENTIAL WELL SAMPLING PROGRAM

SUDBURY – The SARA Group undertaking the Sudbury Soils Study is looking for volunteers to participate in a survey of metal levels in residential wells in the Greater Sudbury Area. “Municipal water supplies are continuously monitored for metal levels by the City of Greater Sudbury and the Ministry of the Environment,” said Dr. Chris Wren, Director of the SARA Group. Data from municipal sources will be used in the human health risk assessment. “We would also like to sample the drinking water of residential wells, and are looking for volunteers,” said Wren.

The SARA Group is seeking residential wells in the following areas: Balfour, Blezard Valley, Broder, Capreol, Coniston, Copper Cliff, Dill, Falconbridge, Garson, Graham, Hanmer, Neelon, Rayside, Snider, and Waters. In addition, the SARA Group is seeking households which draw water from the following lakes: McCrea, Clearwater, Hannah, Lohi, Middle, Pine, Silver, McFarlane, Long and Raft Lakes. “As we did with last year’s successful vegetable garden survey, we will sample residential water supplies, and provide confidential results to individual homeowners early in the New Year. Results will also be used in the human health risk assessment of the Sudbury Soils Study,” said Wren.

Homeowners interested in having their wells considered for sampling should contact the SARA Group (1-866-315-0228) and leave a message with their name, address, and telephone number. A representative of the SARA Group will contact all potential households and conduct a short telephone interview to determine if the water source fits selection criteria. If selected, a representative of the SARA Group will come to the residence and sample the water, which will be sent to an accredited laboratory for testing. Results will be provided to the homeowner free of charge.

The next Technical Committee meetings will be held Thursday, December 9, 2004, and Thursday, January 13, 2005, with public sessions from 9:30 to 10:30 am, in Room C11 of Tom Davies Square. The next Public Advisory Committee meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 18, 2005, with location still to be determined. Members of the public who wish to make a presentation and would like consideration on the agenda of TC and PAC meetings are asked to contact John Hogenbirk, PAC Chair, at 705-675-1151, ext. 3435 or via e-mail at jhogenbirk@nickel.laurentian.ca, or the SARA Group at 1-866-315-0228 or via e-mail at questions@sudburysoilsstudy.com.

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For more information, contact:

For more information please contact
SARA Group director, Chris Wren at
1-519-766-1039 or 1-866-315-0228.