Encouraging Healthy Lands and Waters for Future Generations

The rural communities of Yunesit’in and Tsi Deldel in the northern interior of British Columbia are dependent on traditional food sources. Community members were concerned the increase of industrial activity in the region may have negative impacts on their traditional food. The goal of this study was to determine if contaminants were present in the soil and water as a result of industrial activity, and to establish baseline data on the health of the area. A further goal was to create an inventory of industrial activities and possible environmental hazards in the area.

The project team interviewed residents about their concerns with the health impacts of contaminants in the environment. The interviews helped identify the areas residents thought were contaminated and locate sites of industrial activity. The team collected soil and water samples from these locations and analysed them for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), creosote, and a variety of heavy metals.

The study found contaminants in soil but none of these levels were of concern to human health. These contaminants may be linked to industrial activity. One soil sample had slightly high PAH concentrations. In some of the water samples, the research team found aluminum and iron concentrations exceeding federal guidelines for the long-term protection of freshwater aquatic life. They also found detectable PAH in some water samples. Although the concentrations of hydrocarbons were very low, the research concluded these levels may have negative impacts on aquatic life. The study recommended further sampling to confirm the levels and determine whether remedial action was necessary.