Independent engineer confirmed for toxic clean up

By Chris MacInnis
Cape Breton Post
Thurs., Oct. 6, 2005

Four months after it was first reported, the provincial and federal governments formally confirmed Wednesday the appointment of an independent engineer to monitor the cleanup of the tar ponds.

The contract goes to the Ontario-based firm of Conestoga-Rovers & Associates which had previously handled several aspects of the project including management consultant for the planning phase of the cleanup.

First reported by the Cape Breton Post in June, the announcement Wednesday confirmed the company in its role. The company has offices in both Sydney and Halifax.

According to the official release, the company will monitor the design and engineering for the project, compliance with schedules and the technical aspects of work performed on site. The firm will also track expenditures by the Sydney Tarponds Agency to assist both levels of government in the keeping the cleanup within budget.

The contract is valued at nearly $ 12 million and is expected to last 10 years. The entire cleanup project is valued at $ 400 million.

Conestoga-Rovers &Associates were listed as one of seven companies that responded to the tender call.

smacinnis@cbpost.com