Calgary residents threaten property damage/personal injury claims in toxic dispute

Residents of Lynnview Ridge, a neighborhood located in the southeast end of Calgary, Alberta, are demanding answers from the city with regard to an ongoing investigation into possible toxic contamination of the residential area. Soil tests released in mid-May of this year indicated lead and benzene levels of up to seven times higher than accepted standards. The contaminated area in question is said to encompass about 250 homes, with the toxins believed to have originated from an oil refinery operated by Imperial Oil between 1922 1970, prior to residential construction of the neighborhood.The residents affected have expressed concern for the welfare of their children as well as residential property values, which have fallen dramatically since the first soil test results were released. The city recently released preliminary results of air-quality tests showing normal levels of pollutants within the homes in question. However, further soil and blood test results remain outstanding. Property damage and personal injury legal claims may be filed by residents, confirms Gavin Fitch, a lawyer representing the Lynnview Ridge residents.