A local group in North Bay, Ontario, expressed surprise at the Department of National Defence’s request for feedback on efforts to address “forever chemicals” at the airport. Over several years, the DND utilized firefighting foams containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) during training exercises at Jack Garland Airport. PFAS are persistent chemicals known for their resistance to heat, water, and oil, posing potential health risks based on studies linking exposure to various health issues. Between the 1970s and mid-1990s, PFAS from the foams infiltrated the airport’s groundwater, eventually reaching Trout Lake, North Bay’s primary source of drinking water.
To address the contamination, DND is investing $120 million in rehabilitating the affected site. Additionally, the city and DND are collaborating on a pilot program to assess different filtration systems for the municipal water treatment plant. The remediation process began with the removal of 26,000 tonnes of contaminated soil to a disposal site in southern Ontario. In the current phase, DND plans to introduce various types of colloidal activated carbon into the ground to prevent further leakage of PFAS into the local environment.
DND initiated a public comment period regarding the proposed remediation project, extending the deadline from May 17 to May 28. Despite being a stakeholder, the Trout Lake Conservation Association was caught off guard by the request, highlighting the need for transparency in such matters. Concerns were raised about the lack of detailed information provided by DND, leading to questions about potential risks and alternative solutions. DND clarified that while they do not anticipate adverse effects, the public comment period aligns with the Impact Assessment Act’s transparency requirements.
The Trout Lake Conservation Association emphasized the importance of informing the public about such initiatives and extending the short comment period for broader community engagement. DND reaffirmed its commitment to community involvement and transparency in environmental projects related to 22 Wing North Bay, citing a prior public information session held in November 2025 to discuss PFAS activities and future plans, including the proposed Permeable Adsorptive Barrier (PAB) pilot project.