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Background Information
The City of Guelph closed off access to part of the ruins at Goldie Mill in May 2016 as a safety precaution as a result of sinkholes present on the site. As part of the work the City undertook when investigating the sinkholes, soil samples were taken. Some contaminants were found, and as the owner of the property, the GRCA was informed.
At that time, the GRCA commissioned an engineering consultant, Englobe, to complete a Phase 1 and a Scoped Phase 2 Environmental Assessment on a portion of the property around the old chimney, as well as a Risk Assessment.
When were the Phase 1 and Scoped Phase 2 Environmental Assessments and the Risk Assessment completed?
The Phase 1 and Scoped Phase 2 environmental assessments were completed in 2016. Phase 1 of the environmental assessment considered the historical uses of the property, and Phase 2 involved more in depth soil testing. The Phase 1 Environmental Assessment Report and the Scoped Phase 2 Environmental Assessment Report were shared with the City of Guelph in December 2016.
Following the completion of the Phase 1 and Scoped Phase 2 Environmental Assessments, a human health risk assessment was completed. In February 2017, an initial draft of the Human Health Risk Assessment Report was shared with the City of Guelph, since the City is responsible for the management and operation of Goldie Mill Park.
In addition, the GRCA has shared the 3 reports with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change as well as the Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health Unit, for their information.
A Summary of the Human Health Risk Assessment Report was also completed.
What contaminants were found in the soil?
The environmental assessment found a number of contaminants present in the soil at varying levels, some of which are in exceedance of Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Site Condition Standards ('SCS' for soil). The contaminants of concern included polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs). PAHs are created when products like coal, oil, gas and garbage are burned, but the burning process is not completed. PHC is the name given to a number of chemicals that are related to oil and products refined from oil, such as gasoline and diesel. Many of these contaminants are related to the historic use of the property. Additional contaminants found at depth included various inorganics (including lead).
What are the environmental risks?
In general, these types of contaminants are likely tightly bound to soil particulates, and do not appear to have migrated significantly and are not all water soluble, meaning that there is limited risk for contamination to the river or adjacent properties.
Initial studies were completed within close proximity to the old chimney. Additional work is currently being completed by both the GRCA and the City of Guelph to determine the extent of the contamination and the potential health hazards and potential for risk (i.e., both environmental and health).
What are the health risks?
The health risk assessment used very conservative assumptions, including the assumption that a site visitor (Recreational user) would be present for 8 hrs/day, 5 days a week for the majority of the year (39 weeks). Using these conservative assumptions, the results of the risk assessment indicated there are potential health risks following exposure, which vary depending on: the contaminant, how a person may have come into contact with the contaminant (i.e. inhalation, ingestion or direct skin contact), and the length of time for which they were exposed. Based on our discussions with the City and the GRCA's consultant, the GRCA believes the risks to human health are considered low. Regardless, we are undertaking additional tests on our property to better understand the potential health risks. The results of the additional testing will be provided to the City, so that they can determine what actions are needed to ensure that individual park users are not at any unacceptable risk while they use the park. The work is also being completed for the purpose of eventually reopening the park for recreational use.
Why are additional tests needed?
The environmental assessment that was completed was for a portion of the property around the old chimney. Additional environmental testing will include more boreholes around the site and the new information will be including into the existing analysis. More testing is needed to better understand and reduce the potential for risks before the City can reopen the closed section of Goldie Mill Park.
When will the closed section of Goldie Mill Park reopen and how much will it cost?
We estimate that the additional environmental testing to be done on GRCA property will be approximately $20,000, in addition to the $37,340.85 already spent on the initial studies.
The decision to reopen the closed section of the park is a responsibility of the City, as they are responsible for the recreational activities (mainly walking, visiting the site) that occur on the property. The cost and timing for dealing with the contamination is currently unknown, and will depend on the results of the additional testing and what appropriate actions will be needed in order to reopen the park for recreational use.
While the GRCA owns the property, Goldie Mill Park is part of a maintenance agreement between the GRCA and the City of Guelph. The City manages the property, its programming, operation and maintenance. The City generates revenue from renting the venue for events and Guelph residents enjoy using the space. The GRCA does not receive any of this revenue.
About 1,400 acres of urban parkland is owned by the GRCA, but maintained by municipalities. The GRCA has a number of maintenance agreements in place with municipalities throughout the Grand River watershed in order to make these lands accessible to the public.
All GRCA lands, including Grand River Parks, conservation lands, trails and other properties like Goldie Mill Park, are privately owned. The GRCA does not receive tax dollars to maintain and operate these lands. Grand River Parks, for example, operate only on the funds they receive through gate access fees, camping revenue and other pay-for-use items.
About Goldie Mill
Goldie Mill Park was acquired in 1974 by the City of Guelph, which held the land in-trust until MNR(F) released additional funding for the acquisition to the GRCA. The City transferred ownership of the property to the GRCA in 1976. Funding for the acquisition was 60% MNRF, 32% City of Guelph and 8% GRCA (for a total of $80,000).
For further historical information about Goldie Mill, please visit the City of Guelph's website.
