Transport Canada to conduct environmental sampling at the boundary of transferred airport properties

OTTAWA, Sept. 28, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - Transport Canada takes the health of Canadians and the environment seriously and is proactively reaching out to select airports it previously owned to request permission to test for offsite per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) concentrations surrounding fire training areas.  

PFAS are chemicals which have been used widely in products, including firefighting foams which were historically used for training purposes at some airports owned by Transport Canada. The potential environmental and health risks were not known at the time and are currently still being studied.

The Government of Canada is taking action as a precautionary measure to better understand the impacts of PFAS and to protect the health of Canadians and the environment.

Sampling for the presence of any offsite PFAS concentrations surrounding fire training areas at selected transferred airports will lead to an increased level of understanding of how these substances react in areas adjacent to the airport lands. Transport Canada will share all results with the transferred airport operators and will offer guidance on possible next steps.

Quote

"Transport Canada takes its environmental responsibilities very seriously and we are doing our due diligence to protect the health of Canadians and the environment. Working with airports will allow us to gain a better understanding of PFAS and will help us determine next steps".

The Honourable Marc Garneau
Minister of Transport

Quick Facts

• PFAS are man-made chemicals that have been used in a variety of applications including fabric and carpet anti-stain coatings, coated paper, floor polish, alkaline cleaners, and certain firefighting foams.
• Through Budget 2016, Transport Canada received Accelerated Infrastructure Program funds for PFAS sampling which will help the department gain a better understanding of these substances.

SOURCE Transport Canada