Human Health Risk Assessment completed:
Soils Study to announce results in May

SUDBURY, ON – After five years of intensive fieldwork and data analysis, the Technical Committee overseeing the Sudbury Soils Study is preparing to announce the results of the Human Health Risk Assessment (HHRA) at three public information sessions to be held in May.

The results of the health risk assessment (Volume 2 of the Sudbury Soils Study) will be presented by the Sudbury Area Risk Assessment (SARA) Group at the following times/locations in the Greater Sudbury area:

o Tuesday, May 13, 2008 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm Science North, Sudbury
o Wednesday, May 14, 2008 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm Italian Club, Copper Cliff
o Thursday, May 15, 2008 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm Recreation & Wellness Centre, Falconbridge

The information sessions will follow an open house format, with information stations staffed by representatives from the Technical Committee overseeing the study. Experts from the fields of toxicology and human health will be available to provide insights and answer questions. All sessions are open to the public.

During each information session, the SARA Group will provide public briefings outlining the results, followed by opportunities for questions. The briefings are scheduled for 3:30 pm and 7:00 pm each day, and are expected to last approximately 40 minutes. The remaining time will allow the public to talk to the assembled experts and study partners, one-on-one.

A copy of the full HHRA technical report will be available at each information session for reference, along with copies of a Summary report that will provide an overview of the approach and findings contained in the HHRA. Both reports will also be available for public review at local libraries and other information repositories.

Between May 19 and July 31, 2008, members of the public are invited to submit comments on the HHRA report to the SARA Group. Responses to all comments received in writing during this period will be summarized and provided as an appendix to the final report. More information on the public comment period will be announced at the community information sessions and in the local media.

The Sudbury Soils Study comprises three Volumes. Volume 1 is the study background; Volume 2 is the HHRA being released in March. Volume 3 is the Ecological Risk Assessment (ERA), which is scheduled for completion later this year.

The Sudbury Soils Study is one of the most comprehensive studies of its kind ever conducted in Canada. Thousands of soil, air, water, vegetable, livestock and fish samples were analyzed for the presence of certain metals that are associated with historic mining activities. Technical Committee members overseeing the study include representatives from the City of Greater Sudbury, Ontario Ministry of Environment (MOE), Sudbury & District Health Unit (SDHU), Health Canada First Nations & Inuit Health Branch, Vale Inco, and Xstrata Nickel.

For more information on the Sudbury Soils Study, visit the website at www.sudburysoilsstudy.com or contact SARA Project Manager, Dr. Christopher Wren – Toll-free phone: 1-866-315-0228. Email: questions@sudburysoilsstudy.com

MEDIA BRIEFING:
A media briefing will be held on May 13, 2008, at 1:30 pm, at Science North. Further details to be announced.

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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.