News Release Archive
TRANSPORTATION/PUBLIC WORKS--Five Island Lake Remediation
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Remediation of PCB contaminates at Five Island Lake will continue
with the pilot scale dredging and de-watering trials, announced
Don Downe, Minister of Transportation and Public Works.
"This work follows the successful testing of thermal desorption,
construction of a weir and a temporary boat launch for residents
of the North Bay area of Five Island Lake," Mr. Downe said today.
"I commend the community's efforts for managing this
environmental problem in a very practical and sensible way. This
is a model of how public consultation can work."
Bench testing, in a laboratory, has defined the sediment
properties and proven the thermal desorption process is capable
of separating PCBs from this sediment. The pilot dredge testing
in the lake will determine if dredging and de-watering of this
light sediment can be conducted in an environmentally acceptable
manner.
"We are very pleased the dredging trial has been approved and
that government is proceeding with the overall remediation
process as outlined in the community-designed Strategy to Clean
Up PCB-Contaminated Sediments in Five Island Lake," said John
Hoyt, co-chair of the Five Island Lake Citizens' Liaison
Committee. The citizens' report was submitted to Wayne Adams,
Minister of Environment, and Mr. Downe in December 1996.
The work, to be carried out by Laidlaw Environmental Services
Inc. of Dartmouth, will begin next week. The project is expected
to take a month.
While the work is being carried out, residents of the North Bay
area will likely see equipment on the railway right-of-way, a
small barge in the bay and some activity at the storage site.
Dredging tests will be conducted in three small areas of the bay
where different bottom conditions exist: weedy, silty and rocky.
The cost of the project is expected to be about $220,000, part of
the 1996-97 capital works budget.
"What we have seen develop from this environmental problem of the
past is a model for community-based solutions in the future,"
said Mr. Adams, Minister of Environment. "The people are well
informed, articulate, responsible partners working toward the
common goal of removing the environmental scars of a
less-informed era."
The Five Island Lake Citizens' Liaison Committee was formed three
years ago to plan a cleanup strategy for PCBs released into the
residential community through improper disposal practices at a
salvage yard. Following some 30 meetings held over those three
years, the community has been informed of the committee's
progress and plans through public meetings, newsletters, and
smaller group discussions.
This summer, additional monitor wells were also installed around
the salvage yard. There is no evidence PCB containing liquids
have moved from their previous known location.
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Contact: Christopher Moir
Environmental Services
Transportation and Public Works
902-424-4725
Natalie Webster
Public Affairs and Communications
Transportation and Public Works
902-424-8687
E-mail: webstena@gov.ns.ca
ngr Nov. 12, 1997 4:10 p.m.
