Ontario Officials Discuss Abandoned Smelter

Ontario’s Ministry of the Environment officials met with the local Medical Officer of Health and with officials from the Town of Georgina, Ontario, March 14 about issues related to the Thane Developments Inc., aluminum recycling, smelting and milling facility. This meeting was part of the ministry's ongoing efforts to work with stakeholders to prevent environmental contamination in the region.

Soil, surface water and groundwater samples have been taken at the site and in the site vicinity since the 1980s. A study conducted in 1996 concluded that vegetation in the vicinity was not affected as a result of the operation of the facility.

The ministry is currently reviewing an assessment completed in December 2001 to determine if further data is necessary and options for clean-up. The ministry has told all parties, including Town of Georgina officials, that this review must be completed before any future action by the ministry can be taken with respect to this site.

In November 2001, the Ontario government passed the "Brownfields Act" to facilitate the clean-up and redevelopment of former industrial and commercial sites and to establish clear rules for environmental liability.

For further information: John Steele, Communications Branch, (416) 314-6666; For more information, visit www.ene.gov.on.ca