Public Health Sudbury and Districts, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks and Glencore, is currently investigating the discovery of smelter dust on multiple properties in the Falconbridge area of Greater Sudbury. The health unit was alerted to the situation on Wednesday, with the incident originating from Glencore’s smelter stack between late Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning.
Dr. Mustafa Hirji, the medical officer of health, emphasized the importance of precautionary measures due to the unknown nature of the dust. Residents are advised to avoid consuming food contaminated by the dust, refrain from handling it, and avoid activities that may disturb the dust and cause it to be inhaled. Additionally, the health unit recommends specific actions for Falconbridge residents, including washing hands after contact with the dust, using protective gear when cleaning affected areas, and avoiding outdoor activities such as sports and lawn mowing.
Glencore reported that the dust release occurred on the night of September 23 and 24, with initial findings suggesting a mixture of smelter dust and regular dust. The company confirmed that the smelter was not operational during the incident and was undergoing routine dust collector cleaning. Residents in Falconbridge reported finding black particles on vehicles and outdoor items as the day progressed, with the dust contained within the immediate vicinity of the smelter.
Samples have been collected by the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks to analyze the material further. Glencore is working closely with the authorities to determine the next steps and provide updates to the community. As a response, Glencore is offering vouchers for vehicle cleaning to affected residents and assisting in assessing the need for additional cleaning.
Residents are advised to follow regular hygiene practices, such as washing hands after contact with affected surfaces, thoroughly cleaning garden produce, and sanitizing outdoor areas and equipment. City councillor Natalie Labbee expressed frustration over the delay in informing the public about the incident and emphasized the importance of environmental protection and transparency from mining companies in addressing community concerns.
