Membertou wants say in cleanupPage 3 article |
The native community closest to Canada's worst toxic waste site is demanding an independent analysis of options aimed at cleaning up the site. Membertou Chief Terry Paul said the native community does agree with the Joint Action Group's goal to "get rid of the toxic mess. To eliminate it in the best way possible." But, he isn't certain that
options being touted by the com
munity-driven process are the
right ones. A recent motion from
JAG's steering committee cites
co-burning the material at a
power plant or cement kiln as
the most popular method of
cleaning up the Sydney tar
ponds and coke ovens sites.
JAG plans to give its formal approval
on the motion May 28.
A position paper is now being
compiled by Membertou officials
and is planned to be presented
to government by the end
of May or the first of June. It
will address the community's
concerns on the cleanup and
outline funding requirements.
Consultation through the
Joint Action Group is not
acceptable, he said.
Garth Bangay, Atlantic
regional director for Environment
Canada, said he was surprised
Tuesday by the native
community's request.
Whether or not the request will slow down the cleanup "really depends on what they ask for. I really have to wait to hear back from them. I've stressed with them that it's important for the whole project that we hear from them as soon as we can. And I think they understand that. Once we have that, then we'll know where we're going." For the past several years, chiefs and councils for native communities in Cape Breton especially Membertou have had special consultations with government when projects requiring environmental screenings were being implemented on the site, said Bangay. tc.macdonald@cbpost.com |