Community update on fuel seepage

02/16/2024

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawake (MCK), the Kahnawake Environment Protection Office (KEPO), and Environmental Health Services (EHS) of Kahnawake Shakotiiatakehnhas Community Services (KSCS) wish to provide an update to the community regarding the ongoing response to the fuel seepage discovered February 9 and reported to the community on Monday, February 12th, 2024.

While one residence has been identified as having contaminated indoor air, tests of well water and air quality in other residences in the affected area have not indicated any fuel contamination to date. Homeowners in areas identified as high and medium risk are receiving water test kits from EHS and will be provided with instructions on the proper administration of the test kit to enable daily testing.

Throughout this time, EHS will continue to periodically check in with residents in the high-risk area.

In the upcoming days and weeks, testing will commence at residences in medium to low-risk areas to confirm the effectiveness of the containment measures and to initiate appropriate action if required. Additionally, a strategic sampling scheme has been developed to evaluate the extent of contamination and identify any additional areas of concern.

The exact source of the spillage has not yet been identified, however, the process of chemical fingerprinting contaminants from each site will provide more clarity. The ongoing containment strategy involves measures such as the continued aspiration of fuel, the implementation of mitigating booms, and the use of sand dams.

The collaborative efforts among the MCK, KEPO, KSCS, and EHS have been centralized to ensure enhanced communication and information-sharing with the community and all stakeholders. Our collaboration with Environment Canada and Environment Quebec will persist, fostering a unified and effective response for the duration required. Furthermore, community members have stepped forward to provide support in the mitigation efforts conducted by all involved parties.

For inquiries regarding home water and air quality, contact EHS at 450-635-9945. Environmental concerns can be directed to KEPO at 450-635-0600.