Investigation of the Effects of Landfill Practices on Environmental Health in Selected First Nations Communities

Many First Nation communities rely on local surface water or groundwater for their drinking water needs. There has been concern that these water sources could be affected by contamination due to current waste disposal practices. Indeed, the Saskatoon Tribal Council Health and Family Services Inc. (STC) and the Health Canada Regional Environmental Health Officer for the Saskatchewan Region identified the potential contamination of surface and groundwater by landfill sites as a major concern for the communities of Mistawasis First Nation, Muskeg Lake Cree Nation, Whitecap Dakota First Nation and Muskoday First Nation.

In this study, water and vapour samples were collected to test for the presence of contaminants. Water samples were taken from 26 wells and analysed for coliforms and other bacteria, algae, chemical characteristics (Ca, Mg, Na, K, Cl, SO4, pH, conductivity, NO3, alkalinity, Fe, Mg, total hardness), and chemical health and toxicity (B, Se, Al, As, Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, Zn and U). Vapour samples were collected and analyzed using a Gastech Hydrocarbon Analyser, which detects low carbon organics, such as methane and some volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In addition, elders were interviewed to gather their knowledge of the history of the water quality and landfill sites in the area and to listen to their concerns about environmental changes over the years.

The groundwater analysis indicated that there were exceedances at various locations for some general water chemical characteristics and chemical health and toxicity parameters including chloride, sulphate, pH, arsenic, barium, iron, manganese, lead, total dissolved solids and total coliform bacteria. The high arsenic levels at Muskoday were of particular concern and the study authors indicated that they need be effectively addressed. In addition, the study authors recommended that the disposal of waste on both the Mistawsis and Muskeg Lakes should cease, and that waste should be shipped to a regional landfill instead. They also encouraged the development of First Nations waste disposal standards and improvements in the management of hazardous waste and recommended stopping the burning of waste as soon as possible.