Hamilton council demands apology, compensation from company behind black soot event

City councillors approved a motion Wednesday to ask for an apology and compensation from Birla Carbon, the company that was the source of oily black soot that blanketed east Hamilton neighbourhoods this summer.

The motion passed unanimously.

“My first objective is to pierce and prick their conscience to do better,” said Ward 6 Coun. Tom Jackson.

“The second objective I have is to ensure any fines that may be enforced by the environmental enforcement investigative branch of the [Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks] against Birla find its way into a special fund at City Hall for distribution to my Ward 6 affected residents, which were approximately 45 that officially filed notice and complaints with my office and the hundreds primarily across our lower city, for compensation for costs they incurred through no fault of their own.”

READ MORE: Study finds toxic chemicals in soot reported across east Hamilton

Earlier in July, the black soot fell into parts of wards 2, 3, 4 and 6, with many residents worrying if the material was a health hazard.

Environmental samples collected by the Ministry of Environment mainly contained carbon and small amounts of sulfur.

Hamilton Public Health concluded that the event does not pose long-term health risks.

READ MORE: Hamilton Public Health says July black soot event does not pose long-term health risks