Case study: Lynnview Ridge(Calgary) Land Contamination

Imperial Oil, while operating an oil refinery between 1922 and 1976, contaminated Lynnview Ridge, a Calgary neighbourhood. Nearly half of the residential properties tested were above the federal lead guidelines. Imperial Oil proposed various remediation options including a massive removal of all contaminated soil and the installation of vapour-extraction systems. Angry Lynnview Ridge residents rejected Imperial Oil's plans and instead demanded that the company buy their houses. Some municipal council members supported the buy out, one even stating that "Its Imperial Oil here, we're not talking a poor company". In late summer of 2001 Imperial Oil Ltd offered to buy 240 homes at 20% above the market-value assessment (an average of $170,000 for each home). Homeowners could also opt for a $10,000 payment to live elsewhere while Imperial cleans up the site. The company will spend about $10-million over five years to clean up the soil in the neighbourhood.

Discuss and identify the threats to the human being of land contamination. Point out the possible transportations of chemicals and suggest any precaution measures to prevent further contamination for people living in Lynnview Ridge. You might want to use internet to collect relevant information and take lecture notes for reference.