Two new aboriginal projects ready to go at tar ponds

Participation by aboriginal peoples in the Sydney tar ponds and coke ovens cleanup have been bolstered by two new projects.

By Staff
Cape Breton Post
Mon., June 20, 2011

SYDNEY - The Sydney Tar Ponds Agency announced last week Denko Mi’kmaq Enterprise Ltd. of Eskasoni will work on a project to place a protective soil layer over the coke ovens site.

The aboriginal set-aside contract accounts for about 30 per cent of the cover project. The $4.2-million project will begin later this month. The remainder will be tendered this month as a general contract.

An enhanced environmental work training program has also begun. It helps eligible aboriginal people increase their skills in environmental remediation. The 18-month program provides field and office training as participants work with consultants and contractors.

The $400-million cleanup is expected to be complete in 2014.