Maria Canton
Northern News Services

Victoria Island (Jan 31/00) - The Department of National Defence is acknowledging that dioxins and furans may have been released during a recent fire on Victoria Island.

However, military environmental specialists say that PCB (polychlorinated biphenyl) contamination would be limited to the area immediately surrounding the Lady Franklin Point radar site that was destroyed by fire during the week of Jan. 10.

"Because there was quite a strong wind during the fire, the smoke and particles in the smoke would have been dispersed over a wide area," said Tony Downs, director of general environment for the military.

The consequent dispersion and dilution of smoke means there is a very low risk of contamination beyond the site, says Downs.

"Many samples have been taken, particularly from the downwind side, and will be tested for contaminants. Investigators are compiling the information right now," he said.

Downs also said the military believes the by-products released into the air during the fire would be the same as for any fire, which would include possible traces of dioxins and furans.

A preliminary environmental assessment has already been completed since the uncontrolled fire ravaged the long-range radar site.

The operation was run in conjunction with the U.S. military. A large radar dome that burned was property of the U.S. Army.

From the initial reports, officials can confirm that the building housed normal materials for site operations -- including cleaning fluids, oils, lubricants and diesel fuel.

However, since the site was constructed in the 1950s, tests are under way to determine if the paint contained fire-retardant PCBs.

"We expect that the paint contained PCBs because it is an old DEW line site. We're treating this as though it did," said Downs.

There are no other sources of PCBs at Lady Franklin Point.

Last week, operators of the North Warning System in the Kitikmeot region visited the Kitikmeot Inuit Association and flew members to the site so they too could observe the damage.

Groups in Kugluktuk were also consulted and updated on the situation.

The results from the data collected will determine if the area has been contaminated by dioxins and furans. The test results aren't expected until the end of January.

A ground investigation wrapped up on Jan. 19 and preparation for the site clean-up will begin once the Canadian Forces Fire Marshal completes the investigation into the cause of the fire.