Provincial Response to Concerns about Poor Air Quality in Hamilton

CELA received a response from the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks in response to our letter (co-authored with Environment Hamilton) regarding concerns about air quality in Hamilton.

Specifically, our concerns were that cancer-causing pollutants were detected in a recent study that found that Hamilton’s concentrations of benzo(a)pyrene exceed Ontario’s provincial air standards. Air quality monitors observed exceedances of this substance not only near industrial facilities where it is emitted but throughout the city of Hamilton. The likely prevalence of this chemical in Hamilton’s low-income communities nearest the industrial facilities emitting it raises questions of equity as to whether they are being disproportionately impacted by the implementation of Ontario’s environmental laws and policies.

To read the full response, click here.