A local group in North Bay, Ontario, expressed surprise at the Department of National Defence’s (DND) call for public input regarding efforts to address “forever chemical” contamination at the airport. Over several decades, DND utilized firefighting foams at Jack Garland Airport in North Bay containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known for their persistence in the environment and resistance to degradation. Health Canada has linked PFAS exposure to various health issues based on studies in animals and humans.
From the 1970s to the mid-1990s, PFAS from the foams seeped into the airport’s groundwater and eventually reached Trout Lake, the city’s main drinking water source. DND is investing $120 million to clean up the affected site and collaborating with the city on a pilot program to test water treatment plant filtration systems.
The remediation began by relocating 26,000 tons of contaminated soil to a disposal site in southern Ontario. The next phase involves injecting colloidal activated carbon into a 250-meter section on the airport property’s southeast corner to prevent further PFAS migration into local water bodies.
DND sought public feedback on the proposed remediation plans, extending the deadline to May 28 after initially setting it for May 17. Carol Hansman from the Trout Lake Conservation Association highlighted the need for transparency and public awareness, as the organization was unaware of the comment period until informed by an environmental group.
DND, in response to concerns, stated that they do not anticipate adverse environmental effects from the project but followed standard procedures under the Impact Assessment Act by soliciting public comments. Hansman raised questions about the short timeline for public input, while DND emphasized its commitment to community engagement and previously held an information session in November 2025 to discuss PFAS-related activities and future plans.
The ongoing efforts aim to address the legacy of PFAS contamination at the North Bay airport site and safeguard the local environment and water resources.