Daycare construction halted after soil contamination found in Pointe-Saint-Charles
Work stopped after excavation revealed polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and petroleum hydrocarbons more extensive than expected; health officials say no immediate risk.
Sources · local media reports
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Work at a daycare construction site on the corner of Island and Augustin-Cantin streets in Pointe-Saint-Charles was stopped last week after contamination in the soil was confirmed.
Neighbours had reportedly complained of foul smells coming from the work site, and some residents experienced headaches and nausea. The Montreal public health authority (DRSP) confirmed that soil excavation revealed contaminants including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, petroleum hydrocarbons, and metals "more extensive than anticipated."
Health officials said there is no short-term threat to neighbours. "Based on the initial ambient air monitoring results received to date, no immediate health risk to the surrounding population has been identified," said Geneviève Paradis, a spokesperson for the DRSP. "Further assessments have been conducted to better document the potential effects associated with longer-term exposure."
Scott Weichenthal, professor of environmental epidemiology at McGill University, said that long-term exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons is known to cause cancer in humans. He suggested that a large fuel or oil leak over an extended period may have caused the contamination. "That oil is now releasing these volatile chemicals into the air and that's what is contributing to those symptoms like nausea and headaches that the residents are experiencing."
The project developer is conducting air quality tests in collaboration with government agencies and will decontaminate the site before construction resumes.
How long will the decontamination process take before construction can resume?
What were the original timelines for the daycare opening, and how will this delay affect them?
Are there other child-care facilities in the area that can accommodate displaced demand?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
At a glance
Where is the daycare construction site?
The site is located on the corner of Island and Augustin-Cantin streets in Pointe-Saint-Charles, Montreal.
What contaminants were found in the soil?
Excavation revealed polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, petroleum hydrocarbons, and metals at levels more extensive than anticipated.
Is there an immediate health risk to neighbours?
No. The Montreal public health authority confirmed that based on initial ambient air monitoring results, no immediate health risk to the surrounding population has been identified.
What happens next at the site?
The project developer is conducting air quality tests in collaboration with government agencies and will decontaminate the site before construction resumes.
