CBC: Tests commissioned by CBC show lead contamination persists in North Point Douglas
Researchers at the University of Manitoba are calling for action after a new round of soil tests commissioned by CBC reveal parts of North Point Douglas remain contaminated with lead.
Four home gardens tested in North Point Douglas — all from streets highlighted in the 2007 and 2008 report that was never released under the former NDP government — came back with at least one sample containing lead levels that exceed national safety guidelines.
Francis Zvomuya, a professor of soil science at the University of Manitoba, says he is alarmed at the results, which in two cases showed levels almost five times over the guidelines set out by the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment.
“It means it is widespread,” he said. “They have to be very careful, at 500 [or more] they shouldn’t be growing vegetables in the ground.”