Transport Canada has been wary of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as forever chemicals, since the 1980s, according to documents obtained through an access-to-information request. These chemicals, which include thousands of variations, have been associated with various health issues such as liver and prostate cancer, pregnancy-induced hypertension, fatty liver disease, and disruptions in lipid function that can lead to Type 2 diabetes.
Over the years, Transport Canada, in collaboration with the Department of National Defence (DND) and the National Research Council of Canada, conducted firefighter training exercises at airports nationwide using aqueous film-forming foams containing PFAS. While these foams were effective in combating jet fuel fires, their use resulted in groundwater contamination with these persistent chemicals.
A class-action lawsuit is being led by Alex Templeton, a partner at the McInnes Cooper law firm in St. John’s, on behalf of residents near airports in Newfoundland where drinking water wells have been contaminated. The lead plaintiffs, Eddie and Susan Sheerr, were shocked to discover that their wells exceeded Health Canada’s recommended PFAS levels.
Documents obtained by Templeton revealed that as early as 1984, Transport Canada was aware of the high toxicity of effluent produced during firefighter training exercises at airports. Despite setting standards in 1979 to manage effluent through grading and barriers, concerns arose about the outdated nature of these standards by 1990, especially regarding winter conditions and runoff effects.
While Transport Canada stated that their activities complied with environmental practices at the time and that PFAS contamination was not known then, Templeton disagreed, citing contradictions from the 1984 and 1990 reports. The reports have prompted new concerns in North Bay, where efforts are underway to clean up PFAS contamination in the water supply.
Residents in North Bay, as well as affected areas in Newfoundland, are now seeking legal action to address the environmental and health impacts of PFAS contamination, highlighting the need for better communication and accountability among government agencies involved.