News Release Archive
ENVIRONMENT--SYDNEY TAR PONDS PROJECT
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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.
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Contact: Paul McEachern 902-424-2575 or 902-499-5641
trp Jan. 16, 1996 - 4:15 p.m.