Soil samples from the burned neighbourhoods of Beacon Hill, Abasand, and Waterways showed safe compound levels for human health according to a recent provincial announcement. The province tested 62 soil samples taken by municipal workers from various locations in both burnt and unburnt areas around Fort McMurray, and these samples were taken between June 2, 2016 and June 19, 2016. None of the samples which were tested had contaminant levels which exceeded the human health guidelines of Alberta. According to Wildfire Recovery Task Force communications director Jessica Lucenko environmental testing is just one of the steps needed for the municipality to make a decision allowing residents to these affected neighbourhoods to return. Lucenko stated “And the finding that the soil testing showed no risk to human health is a positive step.”

The soil samples which were taken were tested for a number of compounds as well as general chemistry testing, including petroleum hydrocarbons, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, dioxins, and furans. Previous testing caused Alberta to declare unsafe compound levels in ash which was taken from the 3 neighbourhoods because the compounds exceeded the human health guidelines. This is why the residents of these areas have not yet been allowed to return. The latest testing which shows safe compund levels indicates that once ash from the wildfire is removed the soil underneath is safe, although it may be poor to fair quality and this can affect how plants grow in the soil. Hopefully the latest soil sample testing means that residents will be able to come home sooner rather than later.