The people involved with the Sudbury Soils Study are looking for volunteers to participate in a survey of metal levels in residential wells.
The Sudbury Soils Study is a comprehensive assessment of the impact of metal levels in Sudbury soils on human health and the environment.
As part of that assessment, study leaders are also considering the potential exposure from other pathways such as water and air.
Information is being collected on municipal water supplies, which are closely monitored by the City of Greater Sudbury and the Ministry of the Environment and as part of this, samples are needed from wells and some local lakes.
Samples are being asked for from property owners who have wells located in the following areas: Balfour, Blezard, Broder, Capreol, Coniston, Copper Cliff, Dill, Falconbridge, Garson, Graham, Hanmer, Neelon, Rayside, Snider and Waters.
Water levels will also be tested from households which draw water from the following lakes: McCrea, Clearwater, Hannah, Lohi, Middle, Pine, Silver, McFarlane, Long and Raft.
If interested, leave a message with your name, address and telephone number.
Homeowners interested in having their wells considered for sampling should phone 1-866-315-0228 by end of business Tuesday.
A representative of the SARA Group will contact all potential households and conduct a short telephone interview to determine if your water source fits selection criteria.
If selected, a representative will come to your residence and sample the water, which will be sent to an accredited laboratory for testing.
Confidential results will be provided to participating homeowners in early 2005, free of charge.
The Sudbury Soils Study is one of the most comprehensive Human Health and Ecocological Assessments (HHRA) ever undertaken in Canada. It involves collecting and analyzing thousands of environmental samples from across the Greater Sudbury area.
Over the past two years, the study team has looked at metal levels in the Sudbury area soils, water, air, vegetables, livestock and fish. Team leaders are currently examining indoor dust, well water and lake water.
This information will help determine if there are any unacceptable risks to human or environmental health, as a result of the metals in our environment.
