For the past twenty years, environmental studies have been conducted at Pringle Creek to assess the extent and risks of chemical contamination affecting the waterfront in Whitby, Ont.
Leanne Lumb-Collett, who is the environmental program manager for the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), noted that the source of this contamination has been linked to a building next to Pringle Creek and dates back several decades.
“So as the contamination entered into Pringle Creek, it trickled downstream into the harbour and settled there,” said Lumb-Collett.
The presence of contamination was confirmed through sediment, water, and fish tissue sampling.
Currently, both the Town of Whitby and the DFO are working on a plan to revitalize the waterfront area along with its surrounding ecosystem.
According to DFO officials, while contamination does exist, risks posed to human health and local wildlife are relatively low. “The primary contaminants of concern are dioxins and furans,” explained Lumb-Collett.
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Lumb-Collett explained that these substances typically arise from producing various chemicals or through certain industrial processes like fuel burning and waste production.
“However, the levels that are present could, over time, pose a risk to our health, so we’re doing what we can now,” said Lumb-Collett.
Read more: Planning for future Whitby, Ont. sports complex hits new milestone
It’s also recognized that these toxins can accumulate in aquatic animals. This means they may move up the food chain when fish consume contaminated organisms and people eat those fish.
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Get breaking Canada news delivered to your inbox as it happens so you won’t miss a trending story. The cleanup method planned for removing sediments is called dredging. “Essentially a really big underwater vacuum cleaner goes into the water, and it will suck up the sediments at the bottom of the harbour,” said Lumb-Collett. “Then it will be emptied into a confined area on land; the sediments will be drained out before being dried up and disposed of properly.” The Mayor of Whitby, Elizabeth Roy, mentioned that there has been an ongoing history of industrial buildings near this waterfront area with reviews concerning contamination happening over recent years. Read more: Hwy. 401 reopens in Whitby after overhead sign falls on highway Story continues below Mayor Roy highlighted that this project marks one of their first steps towards enhancing their waterfront for summer tourism seasons. The Whitby Marina ranks as one of Lake Ontario’s top marinas by profitability. more on Canada more videos “This is one step we’re taking moving forward to ensure that our marina down by the waterfront and yacht club are ready for summer,” said Roy. “In summer time our marina offers 420 boat slips which are always filled.” Additionally she stated that there’ll also be rebuilding work done on Brock Bridge which indicates significant activity coming up at their waterfront area. However she believes it will all pay off in benefits. “It’s so beneficial,” said Roy. “The quality of water affects not only fish but also ensures anything falling into Lake Ontario gets cleaned up.” Read more: Whitby man charged with impaired stunt driving in Quinte West As for enjoying activities at this waterfront space or harbor , residents are still encouraged to take advantage. “Throughout this project , some disruption might occur affecting boaters or other users within harbor , but residents should feel free to come here once work begins , ” says Lumb – Collett. Story continues below Catch -and -release fishing remains allowed ; however , consumption warning signs have been added temporarily for residents ‘ safety. While remediation won’t start until 2024 , planning efforts are already underway. Residents can attend an information session about this project where they can ask questions or raise concerns ; set for March 9th from 4-8 pm at Avalon Lounge located within Port Whitby Marina. © 2023 , part of Corus Entertainment Inc.Source link
