‘Risk not fully managed’: West Hillhurst residents concerned about creosote

Concerned residents in northwest Calgary want to know more about creosote contamination near their homes.

A public meeting was held in West Hillhurst on Tuesday night to voice concerns about creosote contamination in the community, something they say has been ignored for several years.

Creosote was identified as a problem for residents in the community, a leftover from a wood treatment plant that operated south of the Bow River for 40 years, closing in the mid-1960s.

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Contamination levels have been monitored ever since by the provincial government but, while officials say levels are considered safe, the readings are higher than in other locations where creosote contaminations have occurred.

Owners of the Canada Creosote Plant are long gone, complicating the process of cleanup given that no one has assumed responsibility.

Issue ignored for years

At Tuesday evening’s meeting, community members say they haven’t heard anything about the issue since 2018, when a five-year monitoring project was launched.

That was supposed to determine how much of the toxic chemical, which has been linked to cancer, seeped under the Bow River.

Residents are worried that the construction of a condo building in the community could stir up deposits of creosote.

“We think there is continue migration across the river and onto the north side, so the risk is not fully being managed by the city and the developer,” said Jim Sterling, a resident of the community who is also a petroleum engineer.

Whether or not the development happens, residents say the city needs to take a closer look.

Ward 7 Coun. Terry Wong attended the meeting but, while residents invited representatives from Alberta Environment and Parks, no officials made an appearance.

Latest report published in 2022

The conclusions from province’s latest report, issued on Feb. 25, 2022, suggest the contamination remains generally localized to the southwest corner and southern central portion of the site, between 18 and 20 Streets and south of Broadview Road N.W. as well as the junction of Westmount Boulevard and 17 Street N.W.

“The measured (contaminants of potential concern) concentrations in groundwater, soil vapour, indoor air and sub-slab vapour samples collected before 2021 from homes in the southwest portion of the site do not appear to represent a risk to human health via the indoor air inhalation exposure scenario,” the report said.

It also indicated that indoor air and sub-slab monitoring would be suspended but could be reinstated based on future findings.

Province responds

A statement from Alberta Environment and Parks sent to CTV News said the following:

“Alberta Environment and Protected Areas continues supporting the City of Calgary on this project. Provincial officials have conducted monitoring and testing on the site showing that there are no risks to current users of the property or neighbouring properties. A mandatory risk management plan has been approved to prevent future spread if the city decides to move forward.

“While these decisions are a municipal responsibility, Alberta’s government makes every effort to ensure our water, air and land are safe for all Albertans. For more information on this project, please contact the developer or city.”