Transport Canada has been aware of the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as forever chemicals, since the 1980s, according to documents obtained through an access-to-information request. These PFAS chemicals, which include thousands of compounds, have been associated with various health issues such as cancer, hypertension, and diabetes.
Over the years, Transport Canada, in collaboration with the Department of National Defence (DND) and the National Research Council of Canada, conducted firefighter training exercises at airports nationwide using aqueous film-forming foams containing PFAS. While effective in fighting jet fuel fires, the use of these foams led to groundwater contamination with PFAS at multiple sites across the country.
In response to the contamination of drinking water wells near airports in Newfoundland, lawyer Alex Templeton from the McInnes Cooper law firm is spearheading a proposed class-action lawsuit. The lead plaintiffs, Eddie and Susan Sheerr, had their wells tested and found to exceed Health Canada’s recommended PFAS limits.
Documents obtained through access-to-information requests revealed that Transport Canada had knowledge dating back to 1984 of the potential toxicity of effluents from firefighter training exercises. Despite setting standards in 1979 to manage effluent at training sites, concerns were raised about the outdated standards, particularly regarding winter conditions and effluent treatment.
Transport Canada stated that their firefighting activities followed policies in place at the time and that PFAS contamination was not known then. However, Templeton disputed this claim, citing evidence from the 1984 and 1990 reports.
The reports have also sparked concerns in North Bay, where efforts are underway to clean up PFAS contamination in the drinking water. A proposed class-action lawsuit has been filed over the issue, alleging that DND was aware of elevated PFAS levels in groundwater near the airport.
Residents like Liza Vandermeer in North Bay are questioning the lack of follow-up and communication between Transport Canada and National Defence regarding the PFAS contamination. The documents revealed long-standing concerns that were not adequately addressed, prompting calls for accountability and action.