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LASCO berm test re'suits so far show no effeet on environment fi By Debbie Luchuk Resuits of completed tests and those that are ongoing on the expeimental bern at Lake Ontario Steel Co. (LASCO) in Whitby indicate that the berm poses no significant threat te the enviroriment. Test resuits have been received from independant consultants hired by LASCO and by the Ministry of the Environment for J density of, berm material' and chemical analyses of leachate. Testing will continue for air quality, dust control, leachate management, surface water management, compaction, noise levels, flammability and plant growth on the berm. The Mfinistry of the Environ- ment conducted tests on the leachate, or runofi', from the bermn and found concentration levels of j various metals te be* within "acceptable" standards for drink-, ing water, 'with the exception of cadmium and -phenols- levels which were in excess of ministry standards, according .te test results released Aug. 15.., The leachate *from 'the berm is captured by collecting pipes. It is pumnped' back -over- thé berm continuously to keep the bermn wet (thus flame retardant). It is monitered at the base of the bermn and tested for heavy and toics levels; the ground- water quality is monitered in wells. If the leachate or groundwater is found te have high levels of any metal, it is to be treated before release inte Lake Ontario. A fire prevention awareness program has been established by LASCO te prevent-any fire at the site. The recycling of the leachate keeps the berm moist; irrigation from surface water runoff is used when leachate water is insufficient. There are fire extinguishers at the site, and signs are posted at regular intervals on site to warn aIl contractors, subcontracters and equipment operators of the prohibition of open flame and smoking. Air quality testing is ongoing with monitoring equipment located throughout the site. Noise testing data is also collected. To determine the longtermn effects of a berming operation and any possible decomposition over a longer period of time (20-30. years), tests are being conducted on similar berm operations in Quebec and in the United States that are several years old. Ron Deeth, LASCO's berm consultant, said other tests, such as studies te determ ine the psychological effects of the berm operation on area residents, are being conducted. Archeological data on the site bas also been c ollected and Whitby archivist Brian Winter bas established a histery of the site. The land was first settled by Alexander McPherson (1803 -1861), Wihitby's first postmaster, in the 1830's. LASCO is attempting.to collect as much data^ as possible te, prove to the public and the ministry that the bermh is not hazardous to the environment. LASCO says it fully intends to operate bermning operations within ministry guidelines, Deeth said. The steel company bas been in contact with neighboring rate- payers' and residents' asso- daàtionsà, and bas been in ongoing dialogue with them, Deeth pointed out. An information packet was sent out to neighboing residents ü in May, with a self-addressed, postage-paid envelope for locals to send in their comments on the berm with little response, Deeth said. As part of an ongoing campaign to appease concerns, LASCO will be sending out community updates te area residents. 'We are in the process Of developing three newsletters, with items on each aspect of the berm tests," he said. He added that if LASCO could obtain them, 4,000 copies of "A Citizen's Guide to Environmental Assessment" will be sent out to residents. TIhe area in which the infor- mation will be sent out is from Hwy 12 te Garrard Rd., and from Hwy 2 to south of the 401. A landscape inventery analysis by Henry Kortekaas and Associates says, It is apparent from public meetings that the local reside nts look forward te the SEE PAGE 12 WHIýTBY FREE PRlESS, WEDNESDAYi AUGUST 31,,1988, PAGE 3 How to orgaî4ize a happy marniage. THE YOUNG GIRL'S CLOSET ù. Ù ON SALE Lj15900 SPACE AGE SHAELVINrm WE MAKE HOUSE CALL5. CALL FOR A FR.EE ESTIMATE. 80 THICKSON RD. S. THICKSON PLACE PLAZA WI-ITBY 430-1636 SPECTACULAR SEPTFEMIBER Whitby, 507 Brock St. N. (3 blocks N.*of Hwy #2),668-4231 MQn.-Wed. 1.6 hrs r.1-9 Sat -..1-:3 I t!. -t ~4q -, ..> 10 INTÈRIORS Mississauga,4 Homne & Design Centre, just E. o f Winston Churchill Blvd. on Dundas St. 828-1212 Mon.-Fri. 10-9, Sat. 10-6 I PALLOCK ORCHARDS WHITBY -, NOW OPEN Featuring, New Crop- vegetables, apples, pears, cider; honey, tomatoes, -corn Everyday Iow prices! First--Entranco North of Eat Sld&e -- 1 FEATURJNG OUR STORE WIDE SELECTION WJTH -OUR BEST PRICES 0F THE YEAR! 1 'muai e ;@