Continental Imperial Exploration Ltd. - Order to prevent discharge of contaminants

Rationale for the Director's Order

Due to historic operations at 152/153 Shanley Street, soil and groundwater on the property has elevated levels of metals, petroleum hydrocarbons and volatile organic compounds. The primary contaminant of concern off-site is trichloroethylene (TCE).

Due to a lack of remedial efforts by the responsible parties, the ministry issued a provincial officer’s order in April 2007. To date, the order has not been complied with.

In the absence of action by the responsible party, the ministry has undertaken investigative work at the site.

Environmental studies completed to date have found that off-site contamination is unlikely to impact nearby residents, but to ensure that residents remain protected, the ministry intends to issue a new Director’s Order requiring the former owner of the property to complete additional work.

Environmental Protection Act references:

The following sections of the Environmental Protection Act permit us to issue this order:

• Preventive measures (Section 18)
• Orders, consequential authority (Section 196(1))

What the Order requires:

A summary of the key requirements of the order includes, but is not limited to, the following:

1. Retain a competent and qualified consultant(s) to prepare and complete the work specified in the order.
2. Submit monthly written status reports to the director.
3. Complete an evaluation of the existing off-site groundwater monitoring well network along with the existing soil vapour probes.
4. Submit to the director a proposed plan to to upgrade, replace and/or abandon the monitors/probes as necessary as well as a proposed groundwater, soil vapour and residential indoor air monitoring program.
5. Upon approval from the director, implement the proposed work plan and monitoring programs.
6. Submit to the director annual and biannual reports as required.
7. Prepare and submit to the director a proposed remedial action plan.