SAEHP: About

The Sarnia Area Environmental Health Project (SAEHP) was launched in 2020 by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) to help address concerns of Sarnia area communities about air pollution and other environmental stressors from local industries in the area. The project helped to enhance understanding of the links between the environment and health in the community, with a focus on assessing exposures to chemicals in air.

Since 2017, the MECP has worked closely with provincial and federal government departments, health agencies and First Nations to develop the SAEHP. The scope of the project was guided by previous foundational work of the Lambton Community Health Study Board and informed by input from local stakeholders, such as municipalities and industrial associations.

To help guide the work of the project, the MECP formed a multi-stakeholder Advisory Committee to share information, perspectives and advice during the project. The Advisory Committee included representatives from provincial, municipal and federal governments, First Nations, health agencies, community groups, industry and environmental groups.

Over the course of the project, MECP held several community meetings to share progress updates. In November 2023, the ministry shared project conclusions and key findings on all components of the project. Final reports on project findings are also available.

View Past Meeting Materials and Key Reports.

Based on the concerns of local communities, the SAEHP was scoped to focus on the following components:

The Air Exposure Review (AER) is an assessment of community exposures and associated risks from chemicals in outdoor air. This component was conducted by a team of consultants (Intrinsik, CanNorth, 4 Directions of Conservation) who reviewed both monitored and modelled data for relevant chemicals in the area to determine health risks associated with exposure to outdoor air pollutants. The work of the consultants was guided by a Government Air Exposure Review Panel that supported the quality, accuracy, and relevance of the consultants' deliverables.

View more information on the Air Exposure Review.

The Plants Study is an assessment of chemicals in medicinal plants growing in Aamjiwnaang First Nation compared to the same plants growing in Kettle and Stony Point First Nation, which is distant from industry. This study was conducted by an academic team from Toronto Metropolitan University in collaboration with Aamjiwnaang First Nation. The study was funded by Health Canada and Indigenous Services Canada.

View more information about the Plants Study.

The Environmental Stressors Review is an assessment of disturbances from industrial operations, such as noise/vibration, odour and night-time light, and their impacts on quality of life in nearby communities. This review was led by the ministry with input from the project's multi-stakeholder Advisory Committee.

View more information on the Environmental Stressors Review.

Government Air Exposure Review Panel

The Government Air Exposure Review Panel (GAERP) provided direction to the Air Exposure Review consultants (Intrinsik, CanNorth, 4 Directions of Conservation), to support the quality, accuracy, and relevance of the consultant’s deliverables. The GAERP was comprised of the following members:

• Ministry of the Environment, Conservation, and Parks
• Aamjiwnaang First Nation Health and Environment Departments
• Walpole Island First Nation Heritage Centre
• Lambton Public Health
• Public Health Ontario
• Health Canada

Advisory Committee

The multi-stakeholder Advisory Committee (AC) supported the delivery of the Sarnia Area Environmental Health Project, by providing informed perspectives and advice. The AC included representatives from provincial, municipal and federal governments, First Nations, health agencies, community groups, industry and environmental groups

View List of Advisory Committee Invitees