Caledon residents fear groundwater contamination from a proposed soil fill at Swan Lake. Experts weigh in on risks and regulatory safeguards.
Concerns Rise Over Soil Fill Proposal in Caledon
Residents in Caledon are raising alarms over a town proposal that could allow construction soil to be dumped at a local pond, known as Swan Lake. They fear the project may contaminate groundwater, a concern some experts describe as legitimate.
The pushback followed a May town motion opening the possibility for a major GTA developer to bring excess soil to a property containing a rehabilitated gravel pit filled with groundwater. Residents say the risk to local drinking water is significant.
Water Safety at Stake
Groundwater is the primary source of drinking water for many Caledon residents. Retired water resources engineer Ian McLaurin, who has a private well in Durham Region, emphasizes the stakes: “We pull it straight out of the ground … and we drink that stuff totally untreated,” he said. McLaurin volunteers as an advisor for residents concerned about potential contamination.
Developer Maintains Safety Standards
Developer Nick Cortellucci, owner of Calvalley Farms Ltd., said the land was purchased to rehabilitate it back into farmland. In a statement, he insisted, “Concerns from residents are unwarranted,” noting that all soil would be inspected by an Ontario soil engineer before being brought to the site.
Mayor Annette Groves has reiterated that no approvals have been granted. Any project would require proof of safe execution before council considers a vote.
Expert Insights on Potential Risks
Hydrogeologist Steve Holysh, program co-manager of the Oak Ridges Marine Groundwater Program, acknowledged residents’ anxiety. Soil fill projects follow a two-step testing process—analyzing both soil and truck deliveries—but errors can occur if testing is incomplete or historical site records are missing.
“There’s always potential for something to be missed,” Holysh said, highlighting the inherent challenges in protecting groundwater from construction fill projects.
Lessons from Past Projects
Ontario has seen both successes and failures in similar fill initiatives. In Scugog, soil used for airport runway leveling tested positive for contaminants, triggering legal and environmental scrutiny. Meanwhile, projects in Milton township and Campbellville proceeded without reported groundwater issues.
McLaurin warns that even rigorous testing may not catch all risks: “Testing is one thimbleful in dozens of truckloads, so it’s real easy for something to slip through.”
Local Officials Question Project Oversight
Caledon councillors Lynn Kiernan and Christina Early have voiced concerns about monitoring and regulatory oversight. Kiernan cited the risk of heavy metals and arsenic in construction fill, while Early criticized the motion approving the project, noting the pit was already rehabilitated.
Mayor Groves has assured residents that staff would rigorously review safety plans and may consult external experts if needed. Domenica D’Amico, the commissioner of engineering, public works, and transportation, stated the proposal includes “very onerous” requirements and does not pose legal issues.
Awaiting Council Decision
The final decision on the Swan Lake fill project rests with town council. Residents, experts, and officials continue to debate the balance between rehabilitation efforts and potential environmental risk, with local water safety at the forefront of community concerns.
