News Release Archive
TRANSPORTATION/PUBLIC WORKS--SAMPLING APPROACH-TAR PONDS CLEAN-UP ----------------------------------------------------------------- Further sampling of the Sydney Tar Ponds is an essential step in the clean up process, said Transportation and Public Works Minister Richie Mann, who is actively seeking federal input into the more extensive sampling approach recommended by consultants JWEL-IT. "We're not going to leap into the next phase of this project without obtaining consensus on the overall framework from federal parties with a vested interest," said Mr. Mann. "It's not in anybody's best interest to spend more money until the framework is agreed upon. Part of that framework requires a better definition of what is in the ponds, which is where further sampling comes in. Only then can we consider viable solutions available to clean up the contaminants," he said. Meetings with federal counterparts will be confirmed shortly. In the meantime, representatives from Sydney Tar Ponds Clean Up are planning to present three extensive technical reports as part of the project requirements under the first phase. The reports include an analysis of the containment option for contaminants; an analysis of human health risks; and the results of PCB sampling to date with a review of disposal options. It's expected that these reports will be available to the general public within the next two weeks. -30- Contact: Public Affairs and Communications 1-902-424-8687 trp June 13, 1996 - 3:28 p.m.