To say I am disappointed by the response to the motion, regarding the mercury contamination and environmental health risks and protections, provided by Ottawa Public Health would be an understatement. You can read it yourself at this link. When you read it, let me know if you think it directly responds to the directives given to OPH by the Ottawa Public Health Board. They were directed to do the following:
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Ottawa Board of Health direct the Medical Officer of Health to:
1. Review and update the current public health risk assessment for the site and adjacent residential areas, having regard to WSP’s findings and other available expert reports on contamination testing received by OPH or the City of Ottawa’s Planning, Development and Building Services branch, to date; and
2. Clarify how OPH investigates health hazards and monitors potential site conditions – including active disturbance of incompletely characterized lands, standing water, and proximity to residential properties -under what circumstances OPH can intervene; and
3. Report back to the Board of Health, with a copy to City Council, no later than its next regularly scheduled meeting with: a summary of the updated public health risk assessment; and a description of any health monitoring protocols in place or recommended beyond current oversight.
I will be working with your greenspace leaders on what we can do to communicate our disappointment to Ottawa Public Health.