PCB Pollution in 12 Mile Creek Only 908 Times over Provincial Guidelines!

Two new tests of pollution discharge from the old GM site into 12 Mile Creek have shown that PCBs originating on the site are flowing into the creek 365 days a year, rain, or shine. The measured discharge rate is only 908 times above what is stipulated by the provincial Water Quality Objectives.
Given this level, the Ministry of the Environment declared that these continuous leaks
pose absolutely no concerns to the health of neighborhood residents, and have no impacts to water quality in the creek- “If the rate of PCB discharge was 910 times or higher, we’d be concerned,” a ministry spokesperson told the SubStandard. The spokesperson said despite the benign nature of the steady flow of chemicals into the water supply, they have asked Bayshore, owner of the former factory site, to begin to generate a possible plan that at some future time might possibly stop some of the chemicals from leaching into the creek. “That’s what we’re here for,” the spokesperson emphasized. “To take the strong and decisive action needed to swiftly protect the environment and well-being of all the people of Ontario.”
PCBs are known to be a factor in melanoma, liver cancer, gall bladder cancer, biliary
tract cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, brain cancer and breast cancer. “Absolutely,” the ministry spokesperson agreed when the SubStandard pointed this out. “What’s your point?”

In the meantime, St. Catharines mayor Walter Sendzik reminded city council Monday night that the problems on 12 Mile Creek brought to council’s attention last month are only a small part of the world’s pollution problems today. “The goal is that everything should be cleaned up,” he said. “We shouldn’t narrow our focus to only one small part of the situation. Compared to the oil sands, or that big swirl of plastic in the Pacific Ocean, or, hey, exhausts from vehicles on the 401, 12 Mile Creek’s problems don’t amount to a hill of beans in this crazy world.” The health of St. Catharine’s residents is always his paramount concern, the mayor stressed. “I think it’s healthy we’re having this discussion. If you start feeling ill, just talk to somebody you know, or even a perfect stranger. A conversation is a healthy thing to do, and you’ll feel better fast.”