mercury poisoning

Question 1

Background

where did the mercury originate?

Answer 1

1962, Dryden Chemical Company operated a chloralkali (produce chlorine and sodium hydroxide used to bleach paper) process plant using mercury cells

Question 2

Background

how did the mercury get into the water system?

Answer 2

in March, Dryden began dumping 10 metric tonnes of mercury into Wabigoon River

Question 3

Background

how were the water and fish affected?

Answer 3

the water and fish in the river was contaminated

Question 4

Background

what was the effect of the mercury poisoning?

Answer 4

long term health, environmental, social and economic effects

Question 5

Details on event

why wasn’t the mercury cleared up?

Answer 5

because dredging could clear it up, but risk more entering system

Question 6

Details on event

how was some mercury cleared up?

Answer 6

dilute mercury with clay sediment, decreases mercury level

Question 7

Details on event

why was no political assistance offered?

Answer 7

no clear consensus from government
water believed to be safe
no leading remediation methods without risk
situation is lesser priority

Question 8

Outcome

when was the issue identified and what was the result?

Answer 8

1969; the next year, the company was ordered to stop releasing mercury into the water system- but the damage was done

Question 9

Outcome

how did the fish poisoning impact the First Nations peoples?

Answer 9

fish was the main food source for the First Nations peoples and the fishing tourism industry