Contract for One of Last Steps in Tar Ponds Cleanup Announced

Release by Government of Nova Scotia
CanadaViews.ca
Mon., Oct. 25, 2010

Sydney residents are closer to a cleaner, renovated downtown landscape as the tar ponds cleanup enters its final phases. The Sydney Tar Ponds Agency today, Oct. 25, announced HAZCO Environmental Services as the successful bidder for the $19.1-million project to build a protective cap on top of treated material. The company has extensive experience in environmental construction.

"This announcement is good news for the people of Cape Breton and is another step in having a cleaner, safer Sydney for generations to come," said Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence. "This protective cap is one of the final steps needed to transform Sydney’s downtown landscape and build the foundation for future development."

The cap will include a grading/bedding layer, a synthetic clay layer, a drainage layer, protective fill, topsoil and seed. The cap will direct rain and groundwater into a channel that carries brook water to the mouth of Sydney Harbour. The cap will be the foundation for development on the former Tar Ponds. Construction will begin next month.

"The goal has been to complete the Tar Ponds and Coke Ovens Remediation Project on time, on budget and in a safe and environmentally sound manner," said Bill Estabrooks, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. "Today, with the announcement of the capping contract, we are another step closer to reaching that goal and making life better for Sydney residents."

To date, the south tar pond has been remediated. The north pond, from Ferry Street to the north pond narrows, is scheduled to be treated by fall 2012 and the last section in 2013.

The cleanup of Sydney Tar Ponds has been a commitment by the government of Canada and the province of Nova Scotia, and this latest project is expected to create about 30 local jobs.