ABBOTSFORD, B.C. — Semi trucks hauling fill soil have been turned away from a controversial dumping site on a Sumas First Nations reserve.

Angry natives, who say the soil contains dangerous contaminants, and Royal Canadian Mounted Police have been telling truckers to turn back have blocked the entrance to the reserve.

However, Sumas Environmental Services (SES) insist that all soil being sent to the dumping site has been cleaned and they have the documentation to prove it.

That’s not reassuring enough for some native leaders though.

“My people are worried that this soil may be leaching into our streams, contaminating our land and the environment,” says Chief Beatrice Silver.

Environmental planner Don Hehn, says that the soil samples that have been tested are cause for concern.

“Two soil samples taken at the dumping site reveal levels of extractable hydro-carbons of 17,200 parts per million (ppm) and another one at 8,810 ppm,” says Hehn, noting that the acceptable level is 100 ppm.

SES president, Saeed Javadi is disappointed that the contract in place is being violated as only clean fill soil is being dumped there. “I’m very surprised by the allegations and I think it’s very unlikely to be true,” he tells local media.