“These materials are known to release substances of concern,” the report said, including heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, copper, iron, lead, manganese and zinc, hydrocarbons and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and volatile organic compounds.

The report also said the site is producing leachate, most of it migrating via groundwater toward the Cowichan River. The leachate is expected to “alter groundwater chemistry, mobilize metals, and potentially impact riparian habitat and a down-gradient residential well.”

A second consultant report by Aura Health and Safety Corporation in April 2022 confirmed the presence of small amounts of waste asbestos and lead-containing paint at the dump site.

The three lots are legally considered Cowichan Tribes reserve land, the order says. Historically, the Peter family claimed the land but did not follow through with the process to be granted a Certificate of Possession for the lots.

While Tribes considers the three lots as land to which the Peter family has access, they do not control its resources, the order says.

Sixmountains.ca earlier reported that 5544 Indian Road — the two hectares of private land wedged between the three lots and the Cowichan River — is owned by Barbara Patricia Paquette, who has an interest in Romeo's pizza in Duncan. (https://www.sixmountains.ca/article/4487fd51-2f06-4b22-a79b-28ca0ec5ce70 )