ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAM TO EXPAND

Saskatchewan Environment, in co-operation with the City of Prince Albert, plans to expand an environmental monitoring program into a residential area in the city's northeast.

The monitoring in Riverview is part of the ongoing assessment of areas adjacent to known creosote contamination on the former sites of two wood treatment facilities, south and west of the residences. No contamination has been found in the residential area. However, discovery of a deeply buried pocket of mild contamination behind a commercial property east of the old industrial sites has prompted the expanded monitoring.

"I want to stress that nothing has been found to indicate there is any risk to people's health or homes," Environment Minister David Forbes said. "Further testing now will provide us with additional information."

"Creosote causes health problems in workers who are exposed to high concentrations of it over long periods of time," Prince Albert Parkland Health Region Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Leo Lanoie said. "Casual exposure doesn't appear to cause a lot harm. Some medicated shampoos for the treatment of psoriasis and some herbal medications actually contain creosote."

Over the next few weeks, several small test wells will be established in Riverview to facilitate soil and ground water sampling. Other testing in the residential area has shown no evidence of creosote.

"We are pleased to be part of this investigative process," Prince Albert Mayor Jim Stiglitz said. "We are anxious to complete what we believe will be the final phase of what has turned out to be an extensive investigation and remediation project."

Anyone with questions about the monitoring program is invited to attend an open-house public information session Tuesday, June 29th, at the Marlboro Inn from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. with a brief presentation at 7:30 p.m. Staff from Saskatchewan Environment, the City of Prince Albert, and the Prince Albert Parkland Health Region will be on hand to answer questions.

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For More Information, Contact:

Joe Muldoon Environment Regina Phone: (306) 787 6178	Denton Yeo City of Prince Albert Prince Albert Phone: (306) 953 4900
Dr. Leo Lanoie Prince Albert Parkland Health Region Prince Albert Phone: (306) 765 6600