Green Corner>

The environment is also a matter for proactiveness!>

Claude Bérubé, Environment Protection, Dorval>

A national ground and surface water monitoring program was proposed by Headquarters. The project was designed to measure various elements subject to regulation and ensure that TC was complying with all their requirements.>

A nitrate problem>

One of the elements measured in the groundwater at Sept-Îles Airport is nitrates. A nitrate is a biological transformation of nitrogen. Nitrates can cause health problems and be a source of respiratory problems in the new-born. The nitrate standard laid down by the Drinking Water Regulations is a concentration of 10 ppm (parts per million), but our measurements showed as much as 79 ppm. We sought to identify the origin of this contamination in order to eliminate it at source. Nitrogen itself is usually used as a fertilizer, but fertilizer is not used at the airport. By persevering in its research efforts, the Environment Protection Section in TC's Programs Directorate was able to associate the presence of nitrates with urea.>

From the start of this issue Louise Alarie, Environmental Officer, has shown professionalism and perseverance in identifying the causes of the nitrates. TC owes her a debt of gratitude for leading off this issue with exceptional tact. The team that has since been working on the issue also deserves our gratitude. Let's explain why . . .>

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The Environment Protection Team: Louise Alarie, Claude Bérubé, Marie-Hélène Salvail and Adriana Peisajovich.>

Possible solutions>

"Our concern first expanded to ensuring the quality of the drinking water in the wells of our neighbours downstream of the airport," said Louise. Actually, an initial sampling program of our neighbours' wells showed that several were contaminated. TC accepted responsibility for the contamination. Urea is the main culprit; the finger cannot be pointed at any other appreciable source, because upstream of the wells and the airport is forest. "We therefore decided to ban urea and replace it with potassium acetate and sodium formate, because a study conducted by the Department shows that these products do not have any harmful impact on the environment. At the same time, we informed our neighbours of this unsafe situation and advised them to use bottled water," she added.>

TC working with the community>

A citizens' committee was formed under the chairmanship of the airport manager to disseminate accurate information and find an acceptable solution. This is a delicate situation, because human health is unquestionably the citizens' major concern. Studies were commissioned, a succession of sampling programs was conducted, and the nitrates persisted. The news spread like wildfire, but TC's managers had time to develop a communication plan and thus undoubtedly avoided an outbreak of panic.>

Working towards the ideal solution>

The situation was handled masterfully. The community assures us of its trust, because it recognizes that we are being transparent. The other departments involved are supporting us in our efforts and appreciate our professionalism. The action plan is being discussed publicly, and all the information is available to anyone who wishes it.>

But not everything is going smoothly: the ideal solution is still being sought. Buying bottled water is not acceptable to everyone, and those unaffected by the nitrates are worried about the quality of their water in the future. Everyone has their own opinion and magic bullet. The debate has even been carried into the House of Commons, and journalists report the news with particular relish. Once again, TC is able to tell the community concerned what's what.>

Despite the delicate situation, TC can congratulate itself for dealing with the issue diligently. At no time could either the community or any organization accuse TC of not assuming its responsibilities. The issue was brought to the attention of the people concerned honestly and transparently. This atmosphere of cooperation also prevails as all the parties are still looking for a solution satisfactory to everyone concerned.>