A local group in North Bay, Ontario, expressed surprise at a recent call for public input by the Department of National Defence (DND) regarding efforts to address “forever chemicals” at the airport. Over the years, DND used firefighting foams containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) during training exercises at Jack Garland Airport. These PFAS chemicals are part of a group of persistent substances resistant to heat, water, and oil, with potential health risks according to Health Canada.
The contamination from PFAS seeped into the groundwater at the airport and eventually reached Trout Lake, which serves as North Bay’s main source of drinking water. To address this issue, DND is investing $120 million in rehabilitating the site and collaborating with the city on a pilot program to test various filtration systems for the water treatment plant.
The remediation process involved moving 26,000 tons of contaminated soil to a disposal site in southern Ontario. The next phase includes injecting different types of colloidal activated carbon into the ground at a specific area on the airport property to act as a filter and prevent further PFAS contamination of local water sources.
DND initiated a public comment period starting on April 28, seeking feedback on the proposed project before testing the technology on-site. Carol Hansman from the Trout Lake Conservation Association expressed surprise at the public comment request, highlighting the importance of transparency and public awareness. DND clarified that while they do not anticipate adverse effects from the project, seeking public comments aligns with regulatory requirements under the Impact Assessment Act.
Hansman raised concerns about the short 20-day comment period and the lack of detailed information provided by DND. The department emphasized its commitment to community engagement and transparency regarding environmental initiatives at 22 Wing North Bay, including hosting public information sessions to inform residents about PFAS-related activities and future plans.