Separation zones near watershed stalled by government process
By Tanya Collier, Cape Breton Post, May 6, 1999
The definition and implementation of separation zones for
residents near Canada’s worst toxic waste dump has been
stalled.
Francis Sirois, chair of environmental data gathering and
research assessments (EDGAR) working group within
JAG, said the terms of reference for the separation zones
previously approved by EDGAR were changed
significantly by government partners and must be
reapproved by the working group.
“We are one month behind,” said Sirois.
The problem arose because “upper levels of government
were not thinking along the same lines as JAG.”
Sirois said there was some difficulty in the interpretation of
the scope and intent of the terms of reference proposed by
the group.
Government was given until June 1 to define and
implement the separation zones needed during a planned
cleanup of the area.
“Not one speck of dust will be moved by June 1 – unless
someone has a magic wand,” admitted Sirois.
Once the terms of reference for tenders is approved, the
government will have to issue the tenders – a process that
could take upwards of six weeks unless shortcuts are
taken. Then, the separation zones will have to be
implemented.
Feds agree to fund tar ponds cleanup
May 6, 1999
OTTAWA - The federal government will provide funding to clean up
the Sydney tar ponds when the community asks for it, Environment
** Minister Christine Stewart said Wednesday.
Ms. Stewart told New Democrat MP Peter Mancini that the
environmental mess is a concern for the government. She denied
suggestions nothing has been done about the problem.
"Tests have been done. . . . They are undergoing analysis right
now and there will be reports out on them shortly," the minister
said in the Commons.
However, Mr. Mancini said Ottawa is only paying lip service to a
problem that Cape Bretoners have been living with for years.
