News Release Archive
ENVIRONMENT--SYDNEY TAR PONDS PROJECT ------------------------------------------------------------ Environment Minister Wayne Adams will refer any plans for containment of the Sydney Tar Ponds to the Environmental Assessment Board for a through assessment including public hearings in Sydney. "I believe that it is in the best interests of the environment and people of Cape Breton that any assessment of this project be complete and open. Only if the people feel they are part of the process will they ever be completely sure of the soundness of the solution," the minister said. A class 11 assessment process includes multiple opportunities for direct public consultation and input. Besides the required public hearings, the public will be asked for their contributions on the terms of reference and scope of the assessment. Copies of the environmental assessment report will also be made available to the public prior to the hearings for their review and comment. The Environmental Assessment Board's final recommendations to the minister will also be made public. The timing of the environmental assessment process begins with registration of the project. A project description and all preliminary environmental information will be made available to the public and all relevant government agencies. Notices will be published advising the public of where to obtain the information. The public will have 40 days to comment on the terms of reference for the assessment process. Once the final terms of reference have been formulated, the proponent must prepare its environmental assessment report for the hearing panel. That document will be made public prior to the start of full hearings. The recommendations of the board to the minister will also be made public once the minister has made a decision on the project. -30- Contact: Paul McEachern 902-424-2575 or 902-499-5641 trp Jan. 16, 1996 - 4:15 p.m.