Cleanup of Canagagigue Creek long overdue

To the Editor,

The information in Leah Gerber’s article about the draft risk assessment on the Canagagigue Creek, in the April 21 issue of the Observer, is accurate. However, the headline – “Testing shows creek poses no unacceptable risk to humans” – is misleading. It implies that there’s scientific proof of no risk. That is certainly not the case.

It would be more accurate to word the headline this way: “The draft risk assessment concludes creek poses no unacceptable risk to humans.” This is not just a silly quibble about wording. Risk assessments draw conclusions based on assumptions and value judgments as well as scientific tests. And these assumptions are open to question.

The actual tests – that is, samples of sediment and soil analyzed for contaminants in the lab – show “hot spots” in and along the creek. These spots show levels of DDT and dioxins many, many times higher than levels defined as protective of human and ecological health. However, the assumption in the risk assessment is that because the farming population along the creek is small, the chance of people being exposed to these highly toxic spots is limited. So no action need be taken.

APT Environment questions that assumption. What if the future brings development along the creek, increasing the population and the risk of exposure? In the fastest growing region of Canada, desperately in need of housing, this is not unlikely. Then this assessment and its assumption that land use is static becomes invalid. DDTs and dioxins persist in soil for decades and decades.

And what about the intrinsic value of improving our water quality for its own sake, as well as for all the creatures who depend on it? Our creek, like the Elmira aquifers, will never be pristine. Yet after decades of abuse, it’s only right to grab the opportunity to scoop out the worst spots, making what reparations we can.

The most toxic deposits in our creek are small areas, relatively few, and easily accessible. Let’s get them out once and for all.

Susan Bryant

WATERLOO