Muggah Creek Watershed
PUBLICATIONCape Breton Post
DATE Wed 02 Jun 1999
EDITION FINAL
SECTION/CATEGORY News
PAGE NUMBER7
BYLINE Chris Connors
STORY LENGTH 381
HEADLINE:
Awareness plays big part in protecting environment
The Atlantic Coastal Action Program (ACAP) recognizes that
industrial Cape Breton has its share of major environmental
problems - notably the Sydney tar ponds.
But the non-profit organization, sponsored by the federal
government's Green Plan initiative, chooses to target
environmental issues people can address on their own.
``We try to point out to the general public what they can do for
the environment,'' explains Judy McMullen, the program coordinator
for ACAP. ``Most people see the big issues that they can't do a
lot about. We point out things an ordinary person can do for the
environment.''
To help heighten environmental awareness, ACAP travels to area
schools, holds paint exchanges, and organizes clean-up efforts for
streams and creeks. The program is currently working with
volunteers on a number of special Environment Week activities.
People can learn how to reduce pesticide use for lawns and gardens
at the Environmental Activities Center at 216 Charlotte Street, 7
p.m., tonight. The seminar runs again Thursday at the George
MacNeil Arena in North Sydney. Anyone attending must register in
advance.
There will also be a water conservation session Thursday from 2-4
p.m. at the Sydney River Super Store. ACAP will inform people
about recycling options at the Super Store and the North Sydney
Super Valu Friday from 2-4 p.m.
On Environment Day, Saturday, ACAP will provide garbage bags to
anyone interested in cleaning up downtown Sydney. Volunteers can
meet at 9 a.m. at the Environmental Activities Center. People are
encouraged to bring gloves and refreshments will be served.
McMullen points out that people can do a lot for the environment,
beginning in their homes. Composting, recycling, and conserving
water, as well as using natural lawn care methods and
environmentally friendly cleaners are a good start, she says,
noting that these measures do a great deal for the environment at
very little personal expense.
``Most of it is replacement cost - you buy cleaners now and
environmentally friendly ones are competitively priced. And
natural lawn care is cheaper, based on companion planting.''
In addition, ACAP can provide you with a water reduction kit or a
composter at cost ($25, tax included).
``The biggest expenditure is time,'' says McMullen. ``Catching on
to new methods of doing things like separating recyclables and
organic waste from regular garbage require time.''
PUBLICATIONCape Breton Post
DATE Wed 02 Jun 1999
EDITION FINAL
SECTION/CATEGORY News
PAGE NUMBER3
BYLINE Steve MacInnis
STORY LENGTH 393
HEADLINE:
JAG needs to fill top jobs: Public relations spokesperson
will be interim program co-ordinator
The appointment of an interim program co-ordinator for the Joint
Action Group (JAG) was announced Tuesday in Sydney.
Germaine LeMoine, JAG's public relations spokesperson, will assume
the job immediately.
``I believe it will be an interesting challenge and I look forward
to working with the volunteers,'' said LeMoine, who began her PR
duties with JAG in October, 1997.
She added she will not be collecting two salaries in accepting the
interim position.
The position was left vacant last month with the departure of Mike
Britten who will return to his duties at the Canadian Coast Guard
College in Westmount.
She said advertisements will be placed later this month for an
individual to fill the position on a contract basis. The job is
one of the few paid positions within JAG.
The community-based organization is mandated to develop a
remediation plan for the - considered
Canada's worst toxic waste dump.
The site includes the famed Sydney tar ponds which contain 700,000
tonnes of toxic sludge, a heavily contaminated coke ovens site and
a municipal landfill.
In addition to the co-ordinator's position, JAG will also be
looking for a new chairperson. Carl (Bucky) Buchanan has served
notice he will be stepping down from the position during the
organization's annual meeting June 19.
Both Buchanan and Britten have been involved with the JAG process
since it began in August, 1996.
Meanwhile, residents of several streets in Whitney Pier are
planning to raise the awareness level of the toxic mess in their
backyards.
After last week's announcement that the federal and provincial
governments are prepared to purchase 24 homes located on Frederick
Street and Curry's Lane, residents living near those streets say
they should also be relocated.
Ten families were moved into a hotel three weeks ago after traces
of arsenic started to surface in basements. Frederick Street
residents have long complained about headaches, sore throats and
vomiting which they blame on living near the watershed.
With more extensive testing in the area along with clean up work
planned for this summer, government officials decided it best to
move the residents on a voluntary basis.
Residents on nearby streets are angry and say there is danger for
them living near such a waste dump.
Exact details of the campaign aren't yet being revealed but it is
expected to include information pickets and public demonstrations.
