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As part of the Metals in the Environment (MITE) program at the Geological Survey of Canada, a project was undertaken to examine the distribution of trace metals in surficial sediments (both organic and mineral) surrounding the Horne smelter (Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec) and the Trail smelter (Trail, British Columbia).  The project involved orientation studies in the vicinity of both smelters to assess sampling and analytical strategies.  Approximately 20 sites were sampled around each smelter, with sites varying in distance from the stack up to 70 km, along two transects.  Humus, B-horizon and C-horizon mineral soil were collected.

Soil sampling was then carried out in a 100 km radius from the Horne copper smelter at Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec in 1997-1999.  The soil sampling study was part of a multi-disciplinary program designed to examine the distribution of smelter emissions in various sample media, including lake sediment and water, peat, trees and soils.  The soil study was aimed at examining variations in trace metal concentrations in glacially-derived surficial sediments and developing criteria for differentiating anthropogenic from geogenic metal enrichment.  The data are published in Geological Survey of Canada Open File 4169.

In October 1997, soil and till sampling was carried out within a 50 km radius of the lead-zinc smelter at Trail, British Columbia.  The study is published in Geological Survey of Canada Current Research 1999-D.

Geological Survey of Canada Metals in the Environment Program