The proposed search of a Winnipeg-area landfill for the remains of two slain First Nations women could cost $90 million 害羞草研究所� about half the projected maximum in an earlier estimate 害羞草研究所� although searchers could face a 害羞草研究所渧ery high risk害羞草研究所� from asbestos, a new report says.

The operational planning report is a detailed followup to a feasibility study last year into a possible search of the Prairie Green Landfill. The privately run facility north of Winnipeg is where the remains of Morgan Harris and Marcedes Myran are believed to have been taken after they were killed in the spring of 2022.

The 153-page report was prepared by the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and ISN Maskwa, an Indigenous-owned company that provides emergency response training and services. A copy of the report, which has not been released publicly, was obtained by The Canadian Press.

害羞草研究所淭he initiation of a thorough and complete search 害羞草研究所� demands intervention from both the Manitoba premier害羞草研究所檚 office and the federal government to close gaps in bureaucratic systems and to ensure immediate funding,害羞草研究所� the report says.

害羞草研究所淚f this is not done, the search will be held off indefinitely.害羞草研究所�

The earlier study determined a search was feasible, despite some risks from asbestos and other toxic material, and would not be guaranteed to succeed. It also said a search could take up to three years and cost anywhere between $84 million and $184 million.

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The new report estimates the cost is closer to $90 million, if the search can be done within one year. The document lays out specific amounts, such as $3.25 million for machinery and operators, although it adds overall costs could rise.

害羞草研究所淭his is an approximate financial overview that is expected to change over time, particularly with considerations to fluctuations in various markets, labour costs and other items that are beyond the control of those involved in the preparation of the following interrelated plans.害羞草研究所�

Unlike some other landfills, the Prairie Green Landfilll accepts asbestos, a material that can cause cancer if ingested. Asbestos in the landfill is placed in thick double bags and, along with other material, is placed in pre-excavated holes and capped with a minimum two metres of soil or other waste to prevent it from escaping.

The report notes the sections, or cells, of the landfill where the women害羞草研究所檚 remains are believed to be recorded a total of 712 tonnes of asbestos deposits between April 11 and June 20, 2022. About 12 tonnes of that were deposited after May 16, 2022 害羞草研究所� the day the remains were believed to have been placed.

Excavating that area could cause the bags containing the asbestos to break and the asbestos to become friable, the report states. Friable is a term used to describe a state of being soft, crumbled and easily airborne.

害羞草研究所淲hen asbestos is disturbed, it can become friable, which is a major health hazard. Consequently, an excavation and search could be a very high-risk endeavour,害羞草研究所� the report says.

The report, and the earlier feasibility study, lay out plans to control the asbestos, such as having full protective gear including respirators for the workers and keeping the landfill area wet to prevent the asbestos from becoming airborne.

Blair King, an environmental chemist with experience in asbestos investigation and remediation in British Columbia, has said risks would remain.

害羞草研究所淲ater reduces the dust risk but doesn害羞草研究所檛 eliminate that risk, and the amount of water needed to keep the asbestos fibres down to a relatively safe level will be too much to allow for the operation of any of the equipment needed to move or sieve the material,害羞草研究所� King wrote in a recent blog post.

David Ganetsky, president of EnviroDoctors, an asbestos abatement company in Winnipeg, said the landfill search is 害羞草研究所渁bsolutely a challenge害羞草研究所� but can be done.

害羞草研究所淏asically you want to mist it and keep water on top of that area so that nothing becomes airborne,害羞草研究所� Ganestky said Friday.

Material from the landfill can be put in trucks with thick bin liners that can be sealed quickly and taken away, he added.

The report envisions having specialized buildings in which landfill material would be put on conveyor belts and examined in a closed environment, where workers are fully protected from inhaling any toxic material.

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs is waiting for various governments to agree to move forward with the plan. It has asked for an immediate commitment of $20 million for initial costs, including the purchase of equipment and the construction of a search facility.

The Manitoba government said this week it is reviewing the report.

Jeremy Skibicki has been charged with first-degree murder in the deaths of Harris, Myran and two others 害羞草研究所� Rebecca Contois, whose partial remains were found in a different landfill last year, and an unidentified woman Indigenous leaders are calling Mashkode Bizhiki害羞草研究所檌kwe or Buffalo Woman.

The report echoes concerns from the earlier feasibility study about what could happen if governments decide not to proceed with a search.

害羞草研究所淏y failing to act to ensure that a search occurs as soon as possible, government institutions 害羞草研究所� risk setting precedent that would-be serial killers fixated on killing First Nation women are left with the impression that not only will the bodies not be recovered, but that inaction by authorities will effectively obstruct recovery of victims.害羞草研究所�

Steve Lambert, The Canadian Press