Dundas University Plaza auto service centre runoff test results awaited by city, ministry
The former University Plaza Beverly Tire site, where a broken water main released runoff into Ancaster Creek, was identified as an Area of Potential Environmental Concern" in 2012, due to possible soil and groundwater contamination from the auto service centre.
A demolition contractor struck the water main while taking down the vacant building Tuesday, Aug. 16. runoff flooded part of the plaza parking lot, and Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks confirmed it entered Ancaster Creek.
Test results of the runoff were not available from the City of Hamilton by deadline Friday, Aug. 26, but the former Beverly Tire demolition site was identified as an Area of Potential Environmental Concern in 2012, with suspected Petroleum Hydrocarbon (PHC), Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon, BTX (Benzene, Toluene, Xylene) and Volatile Organic Compound contamination in groundwater and soil.
According to a Record of Site Condition filed with the ministry 10 years ago, the former Beverly Tire building had hydraulic hoists of unknown condition that may have leaked oil and were likely original to the building circa late 1950s/early 1960s." No information was provided regarding soil conditions surrounding the former hydraulic hoists.
The document also noted an original oil/water separator in unknown condition.
Evidence of staining and previous spills from the waste oil (Above Ground Storage Tank) located within the enclosure along the west wall of the Beverly Tire building was observed," the record of site condition states. The surrounding ground cover in this area could not be observed due to the presence of debris and containers."
The ministry was awaiting runoff sample test results from the City of Hamilton.
City spokesperson Emily Trotta said Monday, Aug. 22 the city would have all sample results by the end of the week and would be happy to reconnect with you once they are available."
No further information about runoff sample testing was provided by the city by deadline.
Trotta said the contractor "actively (tried) to remediate the situation in a co-operative manner."
Neither the city nor the ministry have said how long the runoff flowed from the demolition site into the creek.
Royal Botanical Gardens director of natural lands Tys Theysmeyer said Aug. 22 the RBG had not been informed of the water main break and runoff into Ancaster Creek.
Substantial sediment always would have an impact on fish," Theysmeyer stated in an email. But he said erosion that happens during rainstorms from urban runoff into Ancaster and lower Spencer creeks has already resulted in more sensitive fish being lost from the area.