Active involvement by government agencies

In response to residents’ concerns following the results of environmental monitoring campaigns of soil contaminated by a long period of mining activity, government agencies—particularly the Regional Health Agency—have taken action to identify the sources and modes of contamination, as well as the most exposed populations, with the aim of prevention and health care.The contamination study, commissioned to Santé Publique France, the National Public Health Agency, whose results have been made public, confirms the validity of the preventive measures already implemented.In fact, since January 2016, the government has implemented an action plan centered on three key areas: reducing the vulnerability of individuals exposed on a permanent or temporary basis, addressing the highest-risk situations, and informing and involving members of the monitoring and information committees.

A screening and care program for local residents has been established

In 2015, the Regional Health Agency (ARS) established an initial system allowing affected populations to determine their level of exposure to the main pollutants found in the soil and to receive medical care if necessary. Health recommendations were distributed to the public.This program, coordinated and funded by the ARS, was organized on the ground with the support of local stakeholders and following an active outreach effort to inform residents. It was based on the principles of voluntariness, free access, and anonymity.

Starting in October 2015, 675 volunteers participated in this initial exposure assessment program. By February 2016, an additional 894 people took part in a second phase of free testing. Each participant received their individual results and, where appropriate, was referred to their primary care physician for specific recommendations regarding medical follow-up.

Medical follow-up for these individuals was provided by their primary care physicians, and in some cases by specialists. ARS physicians provided full support to healthcare professionals in the region, with whom there was extensive communication, both during the reporting of results and regarding patient follow-up and addressing their questions.This initiative benefited from the expertise of Santé Publique France and the Marseille Poison Control and Toxicovigilance Center. The scientific study conducted by Santé Publique France now provides a better understanding of residents’ exposure patterns, in conjunction with the contamination measurements already reported. These results confirm the validity of the actions already undertaken.

A bioaccumulation study providing a better understanding of residents’ exposure patterns

The exposure study shows that nearly a quarter of participants had higher levels of arsenic exposure than the general population, and 12% had higher levels of cadmium exposure. Lead exposure levels were not different from those observed in the French population. No cases of childhood lead poisoning were identified.

The study shows that individuals’ body burden levels are linked to pollutant concentrations in garden soil, the consumption of certain local products, and hand-to-mouth behaviors in young children. More frequent use of a damp mop in the home reduces body burden.

Based on these results, interviews with stakeholders (elected officials, local authorities, community organizations, and residents’ representatives), and available scientific knowledge, Santé publique France has issued recommendations aimed at reducing exposure. The key actions focus on both managing sources of contamination and adapting individual behaviors, particularly regarding exposure to dust and the consumption of local produce.

Practical recommendations for preventive measures

The results of this study confirm the preventive measures already implemented on the ground, particularly through the dissemination of "Health advice for people living on or near soils with high concentrations of metals or metalloids." Their practical nature, deeply rooted in daily life habits, should make them preventive habits, recommended for residents both to protect themselves from dust in their homes and to adopt healthy eating habits.

A Recommendation for Local Support

In addition to the measures already in place, the ARS will soon implement a local support program to help affected individuals reduce their personal exposure through personalized advice.

Recommendations for managing sources of contamination

The three pillars of the government’s action plan, developed since January 2016, focus on reducing the vulnerability of people exposed on a permanent or temporary basis, addressing the highest-risk situations, and ensuring the information and involvement of members of the monitoring and information committees.

Reducing the vulnerability of people exposed on a permanent or temporary basis involves several actions that have been underway since 2016.

First and foremost is the provision of information to site users, which has been strengthened based on the work of the public information task force convened in 2017. This work led to the creation of signage consisting of six panels and messages intended for the public using roads open to traffic near the former mining sites at Croix de Pallières.

These efforts were refined in consultation with the mayors of three municipalities to determine their exact locations. The last mining operator agreed to fund this initiative. Since the measure extends beyond the territory of a single municipality, it is being implemented by the Prefect of Gard under the general policing powers defined in Article L2215-1-3 of the General Code of Local Authorities.

To avoid exposing new people to potential risks, a notification drafted by the services of the Gard Departmental Directorate for Territories and the Sea, with the support of the Regional Directorate for the Environment, Planning, and Housing, was sent to the mayors concerned on January 20, 2017, limiting or prohibiting any new developments in the most sensitive areas.

This notice will be updated based on the results of the study conducted by GEODERIS, which is expected to be published at the end of 2018. The five sites identified as potential sources of danger to passersby are:

• the Joseph mine (Saint Félix de Pallières),

• the GFA de la Gravouillère tailings piles (Thoiras),

• the Issart circular dump (Saint Félix de Pallières),

• Well No. 1 (Saint Félix de Pallières),

• the UMICORE embankment or deposit (Thoiras).

This measure consists of containment work or reinforcement of existing containment. The measure must be implemented for each deposit under the mayor’s specific police powers derived from Article L541-3 of the Environmental Code, which the prefect may exercise in the mayor’s absence.At this stage, following a formal notice to act dated March 2018, the Prefect of Gard has just sent letters initiating adversarial proceedings to the mayors of the municipalities of Saint Félix de Pallières and Thoiras.

Given the multitude of issues and the extent of the affected area, it is essential to have additional and comprehensive information to assess the risk and address it. GEODERIS, a post-mining expert, has been commissioned to complete the study assessing the condition of the environments resulting from past mining and industrial activities and to propose appropriate management measures. Results are expected by the end of 2018.

The management of the highest-risk situations has begun following the collection of biological samples as part of the epidemiological investigation. 177 environmental assessments were conducted in the households that volunteered and were identified as priorities. These assessments are accompanied by individualized recommendations to reduce exposure to risks. The reports have been sent to the affected parties; 15 remain to be sent.

A number of individual cases are being reviewed in consultation with the relevant ministries to propose relocation solutions if necessary.

Finally, it is essential to ensure that members of the monitoring and information committees are kept informed and involved at all times. Thus, all available information is accessible on the Gard department’s government website, and the Monitoring and Information Committee (CSI) for the former mining and industrial sites of La Croix de Pallières, established in June 2016, is regularly updated on developments in this matter.