Sudbury Soils Study

Public Advisory Committee - Meeting #16

September 21, 2004 – 6:00 p.m.

Lionel Lalonde Trillium Centre, Azilda

 

 

Attendees:               Irma Chiesa                            Joe Cimino                  Kim Edgington                       

John Hogenbirk                       Gary Hrytsak               Aino Laamanen                      

Rubina Nebenionquit               Bob Somek                 Paul St. Jean              

Carol Zippel

 

Independent Process Observer: Franco Mariotti

 

Absent:                       Ersin Abdullah                         Darrell Alston

                                   

TC Members:             Marc Butler                              Ido Vettoretti                Glen Watson              

 

SARA Group:             Chris Wren    

           

Chair:                          John Hogenbirk

Recorder:                  Julie Sabourin

 

Public

 

 

1.0       CALL TO ORDER

 

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. following dinner. 

 

2.0       INTRODUCTIONS

 

Members of the PAC, WG and SARA Group introduced themselves to the public in attendance.

 

3.0       DECLARATION OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST

 

Kim Edgington advised the Committee of a potential conflict of interest.  She indicated she is on placement only with the City of Greater Sudbury in their legal department but is not on their payroll.

 

4.0       OPEN FORUM

 

Homer Seguin

Mr. Seguin made several observations. He noted in a recent Sudbury Star article that it was stated the “long term effect has yet to be evaluated” regarding the health effects of minerals in the soil.  He also complimented the PAC on moving their meeting forward to 7:00 p.m.

 

Mr. Seguin made reference to the rules to speak at the PAC meeting as published in the most recent IPO Report.  He found them to be difficult and asked if these rules could be modified to make it as easy as possible for the public to approach the PAC.  It also noted the discrepancy in the rules to the ad that was published in the newspaper. The Chair noted that this document has been revised and is tabled for approval later in the agenda.

 

Mr. Seguin also indicated he would make every effort to attend the next TC meeting as he felt the study was badly flawed in that there is no testing of humans other that the study done in Falconbridge and wanted to discuss this further with the TC.

It was explained to Mr. Seguin that this was not a human health study.  Chris Wren informed the group that Dr. Lesbia Smith is preparing an article to define the parameters of the SSS.

 

The responsibility of the participating agencies (SDHU and MOE) was also explained and those present were informed that should any exceedences or adverse conditions arise during the analysis of the data that could result in health or environmental concerns, these agencies are required to act immediately.

 

During a discussion on the lack of public participation at the PAC meetings, it was noted that the PAC has attempted to bring the meetings to the public by rotating the meetings throughout each ward in the Greater Sudbury area. It was also noted that a telephone survey is scheduled for this fall to determine the level of public knowledge of the Study.

 

5.0       ADDITIONS TO/APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

 

Add as a standing item: Follow up to Public Session.

 

6.0              REPORT ON QUESTIONS/ISSUES RAISED AT THE LAST PAC MEETING

 

6.1       TC Policy on the Early Release of Data

 

With the release of the summary report for the 2001 soil collection program in July, the TC has now fulfilled its obligation to provide the results of the 2001 sampling program to the public. Ido informed those present that the TC will no longer be releasing any raw data to the public until the study is completed and the results can be put into the proper context.  This is to avoid incorrect interpretation of results or information being taken out of context.  He did indicate that the TC would be sharing results as they become available with private homeowners who have volunteered samples. Chris informed the group that he has received no comments from the public since the release and the media interviews he and Dr. Sutcliffe provided.

 

6.2       Joint TC/PAC Report on Status of the Independent Expert Review Panel

 

The group was informed that the final SSS report is required to be reviewed by an IERP and the IERP sub-committee of the PAC and the TC has now made their selections.  The TC decided that it would be best to obtain the services of a broker in this regard wherein it would be their responsibility to hire appropriate international reviewers to complete this task.  The sub-committee has identified three agencies that have expressed interest as a result of a Letter of Intent.  The Request for Proposal has just been completed and this will be forwarded to these three candidates for completion. The Chair and Vice-Chair of the PAC form part of this sub-committee along with members of the WG.  Gary informed the group that the role of the PAC on this sub-committee was to ensure the process is open and transparent.

 

            6.3       Report on PAC Committee of the Whole Meeting August 10, 2004

 

            This event was hosted by the IPO.  There were 10 PAC members present and several items were discussed and a number of initiatives were identified, some of which appear on this evening’s agenda.  It was agreed it was a very useful exercise.

 

7.0              PRESENTATIONS

 

 

 

7.1              SARA Group Report

 

ERA:  Chris Wren stated that Environment Canada is doing the soils testing over the next few months and over 200 buckets of soil have been transported to Ottawa for this purpose.  It is expected that soil collection will be completed in early October and a Phase 1 report from Environment Canada will be expected early 2005.

 

HHRA

 

Toxicological Profiles:  These are with the TC for final review.

 

Air Monitoring Program: This project will be completed by the end of September.  The results are expected in early 2005.  There are over 24,000 data points that need to be analyzed.

 

Drinking Water Survey: The work plan is with the TC for review.  It is expected to be conducted this fall.

 

Indoor Dust Survey: The work plan is with the TC for review.  It is expected to be conducted this fall as well.

 

Medicinal Plant Survey: Summer students from the Whitefish Lake First Nations conducted this study with supervision by SARA.  The SARA Group will be getting the results back soon and will prepare a final report for the First Nations.  It is then up to the First Nations to decide if they want this information incorporated into the HHRA document for the Sudbury Soils Study.

 

Public Consultation and Community Involvement Plan:  Chris informed the group that they have retained Trevor Smith-Diggins from Frontline Communications to assist with the review of communications material regarding clarity of message, etc., for public release.  Trevor, along with the CSC, is also reviewing and revising the Communication Plan as necessary.  It is expected that parts of the Plan will be posted on the website to inform the public of past, present and future communications initiatives.

 

Chris went further to explain the principles behind public communication as follows:

 

Objectives of Community Involvement Plan

·         To foster ongoing public awareness and increase understanding of the goals, objectives and results of the Sudbury Soils Study.

·         To provide regular opportunities for public consultation and community involvement in the Study.

·         To address questions and concerns from all stakeholders.

·         To provide timely and relevant information to the public, residents of the communities of interest, and other stakeholders.

 

Stakeholders:

·         Individuals and families in the communities of interest

·         The general public

·         Public Advisory Committee (PAC)

·         The news media

·         Community leaders (i.e. business leaders, leaders of community groups)

·         Groups or individuals with specific concerns

·         Government officials and agencies

 

Key Messages:

·         The Sudbury Soils Study includes an assessment of potential risks to human health and the environment due to metals in soil from smelter emissions

·         The study is being conducted by independent scientists.

·         Based on the information available to date there is no expected immediate health concern related to metals in soils,

·         If risks are identified, all information on the risks will be made public, and the TC will work with the community to address them.

 

Principles of Communication

·         Provide relevant and timely information about developments, findings and issues surrounding the Study

·         Use a variety of targeted communication vehicles accessible to a wide range of stakeholders

·         Ensure communications efforts are proactive, timely, flexible and responsive.

·         Encourage media coverage of technical milestones, public events,

·         Integrate principles of risk communications in the development of tools and presentations for the public and the media.

·         Demonstrate in tangible ways the work being done by the SARA Group and the Technical Committee.

·         Anticipate and quickly respond to issues raised in the media and by the public.

 

Methods of Communication:

Chris distributed a handout outlining activities to date.

 

·         Open House:  This has tentatively been scheduled for February 2005 when it is expected more results will become available. It was Mr. Diggins recommendation that this event be identified as a Community Information Session to separate it as a chance to provide and receive information from the public.  We were also informed that the price for the rental of The Cavern at Science North has doubled.

 

Upcoming Initiatives:

 

·         Update Newsletter - Fall 2004

·         Telephone Survey - October 2004

·         ERA Technical Session with PAC - November 2004

·         Open House/Community Information Update Session - February 2005

8.0       APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

            8.1       Minutes of Meeting #15 – June 22, 2004

 

            Under item 5.4 remove the word “went” from the first sentence.

 

15-2004           Moved by Edgington - Cimino: That the minutes of meeting #15 dated June 22, 2004 be approved as amended                                                                     CARRIED

 

9.0       BUSINESS ARISING FROM MINUTES

 

            9.1       Revised Terms of Reference - Proposed August 11, 2004

 

            This document was reviewed and revised as a result of the discussions at the Committee of the Whole meeting.

 

16-2004           Moved by Hrytsak - Zippel: That these revised Terms of Reference, dated this date, be forwarded to the TC with a recommendation to adopt as tabled.         CARRIED

           

Action:  Julie to add to TC agenda.

Julie to forward to Shawna for posting on the website once approved by TC.

 

10.0     NEW BUSINESS

 

10.1     Guidelines for Public Presentations at PAC Meetings

 

            The Chair explained that the revisions to this document, again as a result of discussions at the Committee of the Whole meeting, provides a better balance in favour of the public and their ability to approach this committee.

 

17-2004           Moved by Cimino - Zippel:  That this PAC adopt the revised document entitled Public Sessions at the Sudbury Soils Study Public Advisory Committee Meetings, dated this date.                                                                                     CARRIED

 

            It was requested that this document be forwarded to Shawna Peddle to post on the website.

Action: Julie to forward to Shawna.

 

            It was also recommended that the Chair write to Mr. Seguin and forward a copy of this document for his information and in response to his question regarding the difficulty in approaching the PAC.

Action: Chair to forward copy of document to Mr. Seguin.

 

11.0     TC MEETINGS

 

11.1     Minutes of TC Meeting #33 July 8, 2004                           

            Minutes of TC Meeting #34 August 12, 2004

 

These minutes were not available with the agenda.  

Action:  Julie to forward electronically to PAC members.

 

12.0     ADDENDUM

12.1          Follow up to Public Session

 

            Mr. Neil Tarlton of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture asked what plant was tested for the Study - was it edible or a crop.  Chris informed him it was Northern Wheat Grass in Phase 1.  In Phase 2 there may be indications to consider others.

 

12.2          Resignation

 

Paul St. Jean submitted his resignation as his term of two years is approaching.  Paul was thanked for his participation and invited to attend at any time.

 

13.0     NEXT MEETING

 

13.1          Date of Meeting

 

This is scheduled for November 9, 2004 which is one week prior to the regularly scheduled meeting date.  This is to accommodate the schedule of Dr. Stella Swanson who has been invited to attend and participate in both the TC and PAC meetings as well as the ERA study session.  This date has yet to be confirmed with Dr. Swanson.

 

13.2          Location

 

It is up to the PAC to determine in what area of the City they would like to hold their next meeting and Shawna will then attempt to arrange a suitable location.  There was the suggestion of the Legion on Long Lake Road in the South End. 

Action:  Suggestions as to location be submitted to John by the end of the week.

 

14.0     ADJOURNMENT

 

18-2004           Moved by Hrytsak - Cimino: That this meeting be adjourned.  Time: 9:35 p.m.  CARRIED

 

 

 

 

            _______________________________                      _____________________________

                        Chair, John Hogenbirk                                                Recorder, Julie Sabourin

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