Water Contamination in Torbay Prompts Class-Action Lawsuit
Residents in Torbay have been living with water contamination issues for years, and they’ve had enough. On Nov. 25, 2024, a proposed class-action lawsuit was filed against the Government of Canada by residents near the Pine Ridge Creek subdivision. The lawsuit is related to harmful chemicals known as PFAS that have contaminated local drinking water wells, with Transport Canada being accused of off-site contamination.
From the early 1980s until 2004, firefighting training activities using AFFF foam containing PFAS were carried out in Transport Canada-owned land near the St. John’s International Airport. Recent water testing revealed unsafe levels of PFAS in drinking water wells in the area, prompting concerns about the impact on residents.
Residents like NTV meteorologist Eddie Sheerr were shocked to discover they had been consuming contaminated water for years. Transport Canada has been supplying bottled water to affected households since May 2024. The contamination has not only affected property values but also raised health concerns among residents.
A meeting held on Sept. 12 confirmed the former airport firefighting site as the source of the PFAS contamination. Torbay Mayor Craig Scott expressed concern about the issue’s widespread nature, as more residents outside the originally impacted area reported elevated PFAS levels. While the town is offering support, the matter falls under federal jurisdiction, leaving many residents uncertain about their health and property values.
