Peter Gagnon has raised concerns about the safety of the St. Marys River near Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., due to potential contamination from decades of chemical run-off originating from the airport. Along with his neighbor, Rick Gartshore, they are particularly worried about the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the Pointe Des Chênes area of the city.
PFAS are a group of over 10,000 synthetic chemicals known for their persistence in the environment and resistance to heat, water, and oil. Commonly referred to as “forever chemicals,” various types of PFAS can be found in products like makeup, takeout containers, non-stick pans, and waterproof clothing. Health Canada warns that exposure to certain PFAS may lead to adverse health effects, including impacts on reproduction, development, endocrine system, liver, kidney, and immune function.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a specific type of PFAS, as potentially carcinogenic to humans. This concern extends beyond Sault Ste. Marie, as airports across Canada historically used PFAS-containing firefighting foams during training exercises, leading to widespread contamination issues.
In North Bay, Ontario, PFAS from firefighter training activities infiltrated Trout Lake, the city’s primary water source, prompting cleanup efforts and remediation initiatives costing millions of dollars. Similar contamination challenges have emerged in other regions, including Mississippi Mills, Ontario, and Torbay, Newfoundland, where lawsuits seek compensation for property devaluation due to PFAS pollution.
In Sault Ste. Marie, Transport Canada’s past use of PFAS-containing firefighting foams at the airport has raised alarms about groundwater and surface water contamination. Tests have revealed elevated levels of PFAS in various locations, including the former campground area at Pointe Des Chênes. Efforts to mitigate the contamination have involved the installation of filtration systems, though concerns persist about private wells near the airport that have been impacted by PFAS contamination.
While the City of Sault Ste. Marie asserts that its municipal drinking water system remains safe, Gagnon, Gartshore, and others emphasize the broader risks associated with PFAS exposure. The bio-accumulative nature of PFAS compounds means that these chemicals can accumulate in living organisms over time, posing long-term health and environmental challenges. As awareness grows about the pervasive nature of PFAS pollution, the need for comprehensive solutions to address this issue on a global scale becomes increasingly evident.