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Ontario
In Elmira, Ontario residents want Uniroyal to stop using lindane because of
concerns that they may be breathing contaminated air. Area residents believe the
plant may be responsible for the high rate of breast cancer in the community.
Lindane is among 21 chemicals the Ontario Ministry of the Environment said in
1992 should be banned, phased out or reduced. Concentrations of lindane in the
nearby Canagagigue Creek exceeded concentrations allowed by the Ministry of the
Environment in May and again in July. Jeff Merriman, a senior Uniroyal official,
said the company would like to replace lindane in the long term but, for now,
there is no suitable replacement. He said the company is trying to reduce
lindane emissions and will launch a major investigation to determine where
lindane is coming from and how it is getting into the creek. David Ireland, an
MOE official assigned to Uniroyal, said the amounts of lindane found in water
exceeds levels specified in the company's certificate of approval, but is below
the Ontario Drinking Water Guideline. (The Kitchener-Waterloo Record Aug
1998)
http://www.wedo.org/cancer/notes.htm
Lindane
maker set to sue Canadian gov't
An American company that manufactures the controversial farm chemical lindane
wants $100 million in damages from the Canadian government.
MOEE - Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Energy List of Candidate
Substances for Bans and Phase-Outs
MOEE published the Candidate Substances List for Bans and Phase-Outs in 1992
(see list below). This list identifies 27 candidate substances, based on the
criteria of toxicity, persistence and bioaccumulation.
- aldrin
- anthracene
- benzo(a)pyrene
- benzo(g,h,i)pyrene
- benz(a)anthracene
- cadmium and compounds
- chlordane
- DDT (+DDD and DDE)
- 1,4-dichlorobenzene
- 3,3-dichlorobenzidine
- dieldrin
- endosulfan (including isomers and sulphate)
- endrin
- heptachlor
- hexachlorobenzene
- alpha-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexachlorocyclohexane
- gama-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexachlorocyclohexane (lindane)
- mercury and compounds
- mirex
- pentachlorophenol
- perylene
- phenanthrene
- polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
- polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and furans
- toxaphene
- tributyl tin
- trifluralin
These 27 substances, out of approximately 800 substances assessed, are the
most inherently hazardous due to their persistence in water or sediment,
potential to bioaccumulate and toxicity. Almost all of the pesticides on the IJC
List have been effectively banned in Ontario under Regulation 162/94.
http://www.on.ec.gc.ca/glimr/data/federal-programs-division/
An
opportunity for
Chatham-Kent farmers to dispose of unwanted
AGRICULTURAL PESTICIDES, FREE...
Farmers in Chatham-Kent were encouraged to bring in banned,
de-registered, inactive or otherwise unwanted agricultural pesticides for proper
disposal through Operation Farm Sweep. This was a ONE-TIME ONLY
event hosted by the Rondeau Bay Watershed Rehabilitation Program (RBWRP)
and The Friends of Rondeau Park.
... and it was ABSOLUTELY FREE!!!
Operation Farm Sweep was a great
success! The event, organized by the Rondeau Bay Watershed Rehabilitation
Program (RBWRP) to provide an opportunity for farmers to dispose of banned,
deregistered, inactive or otherwise unwanted agricultural pesticides, received
an overwhelming response from the Chatham-Kent farming community. Approximately
4 109 litres (904 gallons) of liquid pesticides in 762 containers and 924 kg (2
037 lbs.) of solid pesticides in 289 containers were collected from about 108
vehicles for proper disposal. The wastes were packaged into 79-45 gallon drums
and 2-60 gallon drums. An additional 4-45 gallon drums were brought in by
farmers along with one container of Cyanogas (calcium cyanide). Some of the
pesticides were estimated to be 40 to 50 years old and included such
deregistered "dirty dozen" chemicals as DDT, Toxaphene, Chlordane and
Aldrin. These substances were banned due to their negative health and/or
environmental effects. They are persistent chemicals, meaning that they remain
in the environment for a long time, and they bio-accumulate or build up in
living organisms. All have been targeted by the federal governments of Canada
and the United States for virtual elimination. The collection also included
Calcium, Copper and Lead Arsenate; Lindane; Endosulfan and three glass jugs of a
6% Mercury solution.
This DDT Barn Spray was 1 of 13 containers of DDT collected
at Operation Farm Sweep.
The first truck arrived at 7:10 a.m. for a 9 a.m. event and
the line-up grew quickly from then on. Vicki McKay, Program Coordinator said
"The farmers that participated are to be thanked for their patience and
their humour. Many waited in line for over four hours just to dispose of their
pesticides." As well, all farmers in Chatham-Kent who have collected and
stored their pesticides over the years, waiting for an opportunity like this,
are to be commended for their actions.
Amongst the farmers, the most commonly discussed topics were
that agricultural hazardous waste collections should be done on a regular basis,
chemical companies should take back banned and de-registered chemicals, they
should give farmers the option to purchase chemicals in smaller quantities or
from bulk so that farmers can purchase the exact quantities needed and that they
should have a program in place to take back excess amounts. Unfortunately, due
to the overwhelming response, some farmers had to be turned away. The RBWRP started
planning and fundraising for Operation Farm Sweep 14 months ago. A total
of $30 800 was raised during that time for pesticide disposal. The event, which
was originally planned to finish at 4 p.m., was temporarily shut down between 2
and 2:30 p.m. to determine disposal costs to that point. It was determined at
that time that the disposal costs were already overbudget.
With every last penny of the RBWRP's contingency funds,
$120 in donations from the farmers who attended the event and a $350 donation
from one of the event’s volunteers, two more 45 gallon drums were opened and a
selective collection consisting of the most detrimental pesticides like DDT and
Aldrin was done from the remaining farmers. At the end of the day, the project’s
allowable disposal costs were exceeded by about $1 500.
There were concerns by some farmers that the pesticides
collected were not made available for other farmers to take if they felt they
could be used. This was necessary to ensure that the RBWRP would not be
held liable for crop damage which could potentially arise from the application
of chemicals that may not have been stored in their original, properly labeled
containers.
For those farmers who were turned away, the RBWRP thanks
them for being responsible enough to bring their chemicals to the disposal day.
The group requests that farmers put their chemicals back into storage and call
their local councilor to let them know that there is a strong need for the safe
disposal of agricultural hazardous wastes in Chatham-Kent. In the meantime, the RBWRP
will be working toward achieving regular municipal collections in the
future. You can help by signing petitions that have been distributed to local
farm groups and dealerships. These petitions should be returned to the RBWRP by
January 31, 2000.
Operation Farm Sweep Collection Summary...
# = # of containers collected
* pesticides registered in Canada and considered to have
hormone-disrupting effects (from World Wildlife Fund. Avoiding
Hormone-Disrupting Pesticides)
Liquids...
| Liquids |
# |
Litres |
| unknown |
73 |
344 |
| basagran |
37 |
287.75 |
| assist |
34 |
203.5 |
| lice control |
2 |
200 |
| lorox L |
20 |
142.5 |
| lasso |
12 |
135 |
| difolatan |
7 |
120 |
| round-up |
17 |
117 |
| treflan* |
19 |
98.5 |
| bravo 500 |
8 |
80.5 |
| DDT |
3 |
12 |
| toxaphene |
1 |
4 |
| aldrin |
1 |
2 |
| chlordane |
1 |
0.5 |
| alachlor |
1 |
4 |
| 2,4-D* |
18 |
74.3 |
| pardner* |
13 |
64.5 |
| thiodan 4EC* |
8 |
50 |
| malathion 500* |
12 |
46 |
| sencor 500* |
9 |
22.5 |
| embutox* |
4 |
20 |
| sevin* |
3 |
15 |
| 2,4-D ester 600* |
2 |
12.5 |
| lannate* |
2 |
12.5 |
| methoxychlor* |
5 |
12.5 |
| lexone DF* |
8 |
11 |
| lindane* |
1 |
10 |
| rival* |
3 |
8.75 |
| lorsban 4E* |
2 |
5.75 |
| secor/sevin/gasagard* |
1 |
5 |
| cymbush 250* |
5 |
3 |
| fusilade II 125 |
2 |
3 |
| endosulfan 400* |
1 |
2.5 |
| fusilade* |
1 |
2.5 |
| lexone L* |
1 |
2.5 |
| trifluralin* |
1 |
2.5 |
| ambush 500* |
3 |
1 |
| lexone* |
1 |
1 |
| sencor 75* |
1 |
1 |
| pounce* |
1 |
0.25 |
| atrazine |
10 |
44.5 |
| guthion |
8 |
52.23 |
| TCA |
2 |
10 |
| TDE |
1 |
10 |
| diazinon |
3 |
6.5 |
| organophosphate |
2 |
4 |
| gramoxone |
4 |
3.75 |
| octylphenoxypolyethoxy ethanol |
1 |
1.89 |
Solids...
| Solids |
# |
kg |
| unknown |
18 |
129.73 |
| ridomil 25 w |
33 |
54.46 |
| lasso |
3 |
42.7 |
| mangosel |
1 |
40 |
| edge |
4 |
31 |
| ammonium sulphate |
2 |
30 |
| dyfonate 20G |
2 |
30 |
| bayleton 50 WP |
2 |
30 |
| magnesium sulfate |
1 |
25 |
| phygon |
2 |
24 |
| DDT |
10 |
9.1 |
| aldrin |
3 |
1.23 |
| bladex* |
6 |
12.25 |
| dithane DG* |
1 |
10 |
| dithane m 45* |
2 |
8.8 |
| benlate* |
5 |
8.23 |
| lindane* |
8 |
7.31 |
| 2,4-D |
4 |
6.68 |
| dithane* |
3 |
6 |
| temik* |
1 |
6 |
| sevin* |
5 |
5.14 |
| malathion* |
1 |
5 |
| endosulfan* |
1 |
4 |
| sencor 500* |
2 |
3.25 |
| thiodan* |
2 |
3 |
| sevin 50* |
2 |
2.81 |
| lexone df* |
1 |
2 |
| orthene* |
1 |
2 |
| thiodan-zineb* |
1 |
1.81 |
| lannate* |
2 |
0.68 |
| captan-benomul* |
1 |
0.5 |
| thiodan 50 w* |
1 |
0.5 |
| thiodan zineb 5* |
1 |
0.5 |
| manzate* |
1 |
0.45 |
| atrazine |
4 |
14 |
| cyanogas |
2 |
2 |
| calcium arsenate |
2 |
8 |
| copper arsenate |
1 |
2 |
| lead arsenate |
1 |
0.23 |
| guthion |
2 |
1.68 |
| rotenone |
2 |
2.5 |
| TCA |
1 |
20 |
| diazinon |
2 |
3.27 |
These tables represent a fraction of the pesticides collected
during the November 20 Operation Farm Sweep. The first 10 in each list (unshaded)
represent the pesticides collected in the largest quantities. Those shaded have
been banned or are no longer used in Canada due to health or environmental
concerns. DDT, Chlordane, Lindane, Aldrin and Dieldrin are all known, probable
or possible carcinogens. DDT in particular has been linked to breast cancer.
Studies indicate that on average, the blood of breast cancer patients contains
35% more DDE (produced during the breakdown of DDT) than that of healthy women.
In addition, it has been found that women with the highest DDE levels in their
blood were four times more likely to have breast cancer than the women with the
lowest levels. Chlordane has been linked to leukemia and certain childhood
cancers. 2,4-D, also known as Ded-Weed, Lawn-Keep, Weedone, Plantgard, Miracle
and Demise, has been linked to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Arsenic is a known
human cancer-causing agent. Malathion and Parathion are part of a group of
synthetic chemicals known as organophosphates. These chemicals were first
developed during the second world war as nerve gases for use in German death
camps. Endosulfan, an organochlorine pesticide, acts like the hormone estrogen.
It stimulates breast cancer cells to divide and multiply. The other products
that have been starred in the list are pesticides, still registered in Canada,
which are considered to have hormone-disrupting effects. In other words, these
chemicals mimic the hormones in our bodies (and those of other animals) or they
interfere with the proper functioning of those hormones.
References…
- Steingraber, Sandra. 1998. Living Downstream. Vintage Books,
NY. 374 pp..
- World Wildlife Fund. Avoiding Hormone-Disrupting Pesticides.
Brochure.
Why Have an Agricultural Pesticide Hazardous Waste
Day?...
Pesticide containers can leach toxic substances into the environment.
These substances can have detrimental effects on the health of fish and wildlife
populations and constitute a water quality concern to communities and
individuals who draw their drinking water from Lake Erie, the Thames River and
Lake St. Clair. This includes an estimated 18 775 households and businesses,
including 51 693 residents in Chatham-Kent. Much of the remaining population, an
estimated 47 177 people with the exception of Wallaceburg, tap into ground water
through wells. These people may also be at risk. In the U.S. corn belt, there
are growing concerns over herbicide contamination of groundwater in shallow
aquifers. Although chemical concentrations may be below detection levels or
standardized levels of concern, the long-term chronic health effects are not
well understood.
The pesticides listed below are no longer registered for use
in Canada.
Table 1: Agricultural Pesticides Banned or No Longer
Registered in Canada due to Health or Environmental Concerns
| Chlordane |
DDT |
Aldrin |
| Dieldrin |
Endrin |
Heptachlor |
| Hexachlorobenzene |
Toxaphene |
Alachlor |
These substances are persistent, remaining in the environment
for a long time, and bio-accumulate or build up in living organisms (Environment
Canada 1998). With the exception of Alachlor, all have been identified as toxic
substances and put on the fast track for virtual elimination through the federal
government’s 1995 Toxic Substances Management Policy. These same
substances are classified as persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Canada
recently signed an agreement with 33 European and North American countries to
limit emissions of these substances. In addition, negotiations are underway with
over 100 countries to develop a global agreement to control POP emissions under
the United Nations Environment Program (Environment Canada 1998).
Other agricultural chemicals, although they may not be banned,
may no longer be recommended for use and/or may no longer be registered for use
through the voluntarily actions of manufacturers. Additionally, pesticides can
separate or become otherwise inactive through improper storage for their given
agricultural application. In other cases, farmers simply may not have a need to
use a particular pesticide in the future. These chemicals too, present potential
hazards to the environment and our health. Although no causes have yet been
pinpointed, recent newspaper headlines indicated that Chatham-Kent was a
"heart attack death hot spot". Studies have shown the area to have the
highest death rate from heart problems in all of Ontario - over 64% above the
provincial average (Chatham-Kent Chapter, Heart & Stroke Foundation of
Ontario).
At this time, yearly disposal events and permanent local
collection depots for pesticides are not available to farmers.
Benefits…
Operation Farm Sweep will stimulate community action to safely and
properly dispose of unwanted agricultural pesticides from Chatham-Kent. In
addition, information and expertise available through the on-site event tent
will increase awareness of safe pesticide handling, ways to reduce wastage and
many other topics. This translates into improved water quality and healthier
aquatic areas and wetlands. Reduced stresses on fish and wildlife will help to
ensure the continued existence of the many animals that are found in the area,
including numerous rare, threatened and endangered species. These actions will
help to rebuild the ecological integrity and long-term sustainability of Lake
Erie’s (including Rondeau Bay), lower Thames River’s and Lake St. Clair’s
significant ecosystems for the benefit of the environment and future
generations. Increased recreational opportunities are likely to result from a
cleaner, more aesthetically pleasing recreational areas. This leads to local
economic benefits. In addition to safeguarding of the environment, proper
disposal of all banned, deregistered and other unwanted agricultural chemicals
is important to protecting the health of the Chatham-Kent community and the
Great Lakes population.
Reducing Pesticide Wastage...
The following guidelines will help you to minimize the amount of
unwanted chemicals that accumulate on your property:
Plan Ahead...
Purchase the amount of chemicals required for one
growing season and mix only what is needed to complete each job.
Rinse...
Triple rinse or pressure rinse empty pesticide
containers and return the rinsate to the spray tank. This saves money by using
all of the product in the container.
Recycle...
Plastic and metal pesticide containers, 20 litres
or less in size, can be recycled through the Ontario Pesticide Container
Recycling Program. For further information, contact Future Farm Supply
at 519-866-3446 or contact your local Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural
Affairs office.
Rotate Pesticide Stock...
Store unused pesticides according to the label
instructions. Use the stored pesticides first during the next season.
Product Exchange...
If you have pesticides that you don’t need, give
them to a LICENSED applicator who can use it.
Proper Disposal...
Take advantage of Operation Farm Sweep and
other collection days. Many landowners and farmers, like you, can and have
helped to maintain a strong, healthy environment both for ourselves, wildlife
and future generations by properly disposing of your agricultural hazardous
wastes.
Safe Transportation Tips…
The following guidelines were suggested for safe transportation of
agricultural pesticides to Operation Farm Sweep:
- DO NOT MIX chemicals together!
- Keep all products in their original sealed and labeled
containers.
- Place containers into cardboard boxes.
- Place crumpled newspaper between glass containers to prevent
breakage.
- Seal leaky containers in clear plastic bags and use crumpled
newspapers in boxes.
- Keep all pesticides as far away from passengers as possible
by placing them in the trunk of your car or back of your pickup.
Event tent…
Everyone was also invited to visit the Operation Farm Sweep event
tent at the R.M. Classic Cars Inc. property just behind the Harwich Township
Transfer Station to speak with group, organization and agency representatives
and to pick up information on topics like:
- Grower certification
- Safe pesticide handling
- Integrated pest management
- Ecological, biological and organic farming
- Health-related concerns
- National and international legislation on toxic chemicals
The following groups, organizations and agencies were at the Operation
Farm Sweep event tent.
- Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association - Environmental
Farm Plan
- Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
- Canadian Organic Growers Heart and Stroke Foundation
- Chatham-Kent Health Unit
- Ontario Crop Protection Institute, etc.…
Additional information was provided by groups including:
- Ontario Pesticide Container Recycling Committee
- Ridgetown College of Agricultural Technology / University of
Guelph
- Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association - Environmental
Farm Plan
- Canadian Organic Growers
- Environment Canada
- Ontario Ministry of the Environment
- Health Canada
- World Wildlife Fund
- Sierra Club of Canada
Funders, Partners and Sponsors...
- EcoAction 2000
- Ontario Trillium Foundation
- Human Resources Development Canada
- CKSY FM 95 / CFCO AM 630
- Stewardship Kent
- Pioneer Hi-Bred Limited
- Friends of Rondeau Park
- Kent Federation of Agriculture
- W.G. Thompson & Sons Limited
- DOW Agrosciences Canada Inc.
- Cyanamid Crop Protection
- Rondeau Agricultural Conservation Corporation
- Rhone-Poulenc Canada
- Orford Co-operative Ltd.
- Kent County Fertilizers Ltd.
- ADM Agri-Industries Ltd.
- CAN-AM Tractor Ltd.
- Chatham New Holland Ltd.
- Pickseed Canada Inc.
- Safety-Kleen Ltd.
- Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
- St. Clair Region Conservation Authority
- Lester's on the Bay
- R.M. Classic Cars Inc.
- Ridgetown District High School Co-op Program
- Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
- Chatham Daily News/Chatham-Kent Citizen
- Environment Canada
- World Wildlife Fund Canada
- Ontario Pesticide Education Program, Ridgetown College,
University of Guelph
- Ontario Pesticide Container Recycling Committee
- Voice of the Farmer
- Ridgetown Independent News
- Blenheim News Tribune
- Ontario Crop Protection Institute
- Centreline Equipment Rentals (Chatham) Inc.
- Browning-Ferris Industries
- Essex-Windsor Solid Waste Authority
( top of page)
Back to Upcoming
Events...
This page was developed by Greg McMath, John Galbraith & Vicki McKay
Last revised January 10, 2000
http://www.ciaccess.com/~rbwrp/aghwd.htm |