In early 2009, while assessing property for development on Couchiching reserve, high levels of dioxins and furans were found in soil samples located near residential dwellings. The toxins were a result of improper waste management of the former J.A. Mathieu sawmill site on reserve land which was leased by Indian Affairs on behalf of the band in the early 1900's.
The area is now known as Harry's Road in Couchiching First Nation. Below, you will find reports, letters, and articles related to the environmental disaster that the affected residents find themselves waking up to every morning.
The area is now known as Harry's Road in Couchiching First Nation. Below, you will find reports, letters, and articles related to the environmental disaster that the affected residents find themselves waking up to every morning.
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Quick facts about contaminated lands.
Couchiching First Nation
Remediation & Assesment
J.A. Mathieu & Rainy Lake Airways Site
•Full Further assessment of both sites was started in 2007. Previous assessments were completed in 1994 and clean up was done in 1995 at the former Rainy Lake Airways Base; and asessment of the main area where the sawmill sites sat was completed in May 2003. Early 2006 clean up was done to a small portion of the former J.A. Mathieu Sawmill site. Both sites that had been remediated have become contaminated.
•The full assessment of both sites only included looking into hydrocarbon contamination (fuels, oils, etc.) and not any other possible contaminants (began in April of 2008)
•In August of 2008 there was information brought foward by one of our elders of a “dipping pond” located approximately at the location of a residence
In December of 2008/January 2009 sampling was conducted looking for Dioxins and Furans.
•Results provided in February of 2009 indicated the identification of Pentachlorophenols (a type of Furan.
The first round of testing (Dec. 08) was just to identify the presence or absence of Dioxins and Furans. Additional sampling would be required to determine the extents (amount) of contamination.
• In April/May 2009 dust samples were taken from residences and commercial buildings located in the are to determine levels within these homes and buildings. Those that showed higher than normal levels were cleaned.
•In April of 2009 consulting team DST recommended that the 2 homeowners vacate and relocate. This was done, but one family moved back due to lack of available housing.
Couchiching First Nation
Remediation & Assesment
J.A. Mathieu & Rainy Lake Airways Site
•Full Further assessment of both sites was started in 2007. Previous assessments were completed in 1994 and clean up was done in 1995 at the former Rainy Lake Airways Base; and asessment of the main area where the sawmill sites sat was completed in May 2003. Early 2006 clean up was done to a small portion of the former J.A. Mathieu Sawmill site. Both sites that had been remediated have become contaminated.
•The full assessment of both sites only included looking into hydrocarbon contamination (fuels, oils, etc.) and not any other possible contaminants (began in April of 2008)
•In August of 2008 there was information brought foward by one of our elders of a “dipping pond” located approximately at the location of a residence
In December of 2008/January 2009 sampling was conducted looking for Dioxins and Furans.
•Results provided in February of 2009 indicated the identification of Pentachlorophenols (a type of Furan.
The first round of testing (Dec. 08) was just to identify the presence or absence of Dioxins and Furans. Additional sampling would be required to determine the extents (amount) of contamination.
• In April/May 2009 dust samples were taken from residences and commercial buildings located in the are to determine levels within these homes and buildings. Those that showed higher than normal levels were cleaned.
•In April of 2009 consulting team DST recommended that the 2 homeowners vacate and relocate. This was done, but one family moved back due to lack of available housing.
Dr. Naz's Report
Dr. Naz, who has consulted with Couchiching First Nation. INAC, Health Canada, and Environment Canada has concluded that Harry Road resident's Dioxins and Furans surface soil concentrations exceed the human health/CCME Criteria 4 pg/g TEQ.
Click to read full report
Dr. Naz, who has consulted with Couchiching First Nation. INAC, Health Canada, and Environment Canada has concluded that Harry Road resident's Dioxins and Furans surface soil concentrations exceed the human health/CCME Criteria 4 pg/g TEQ.
Click to read full report
Letters from Local MP John Rafferty
Letters from John Raffery to INAC regarding the concerns of the issues surrounding the Couchiching Toll Booth Initiative and the reaction of INAC to these concerns. Key quote in document can be found on page 4 of document regarding the notion of cleaning up the contaminated sites on Couchiching First Nation.
"If we do it for Couchiching, we'll have to do it for everyone. We don't want to set precedent." - Leigh Jessen, INAC Acting Regional Director in remarks made to Chief Chuck McPherson.
Click here to read the full documents.
Letters from John Raffery to INAC regarding the concerns of the issues surrounding the Couchiching Toll Booth Initiative and the reaction of INAC to these concerns. Key quote in document can be found on page 4 of document regarding the notion of cleaning up the contaminated sites on Couchiching First Nation.
"If we do it for Couchiching, we'll have to do it for everyone. We don't want to set precedent." - Leigh Jessen, INAC Acting Regional Director in remarks made to Chief Chuck McPherson.
Click here to read the full documents.
Alexander Bruce & Company Report
Detailed Reports on the Sawmill Operations on Couchiching. By Greg Hlday, INAC Technical Services:
Detailed Reports on the Sawmill Operations on Couchiching. By Greg Hlday, INAC Technical Services:
DST Consulting Reports
Read reports from DST Consulting Engineers, the consulting firm responsible for soil sampling and testing of the contaminated areas of Couchiching First Nation.
Read reports from DST Consulting Engineers, the consulting firm responsible for soil sampling and testing of the contaminated areas of Couchiching First Nation.
Toll Booth Initiative Website
The Couchiching Toll Booth Initiative website TollBoothInitiative.com is your most trusted source for information relating to the Couching Toll Booth Initiative. The Couchiching Toll Both Initiative began operation May 21st, 2010.
The Couchiching Toll Booth Initiative website TollBoothInitiative.com is your most trusted source for information relating to the Couching Toll Booth Initiative. The Couchiching Toll Both Initiative began operation May 21st, 2010.