Tender for Separation Zones Criteria

Environmental consultants Washburn and Gillis Associates Ltd., a subsidiary of Agra Earth Environmental, have been awarded a tender to develop the criteria needed to establish separation zones during cleanup within the Muggah Creek watershed in Sydney.

The Department of Transportation and Public Works awarded the tender in support of the Joint Action Group's environmental cleanup of the watershed. JAG is the community group responsible for making recommendations to government for the cleanup.

As part of the tender, the consultants will develop and evaluate the criteria necessary to establish interim separation zones when site activities are being carried out. Separation zones are areas that ensure residential land use is compatible with planned remedial activities on the site.

"JAG members have worked hard to ensure this project reflects the concerns of the community," said the group's chair, Dan Fraser. "This study of separation zones will help resolve the issues associated with onsite work affecting nearby property owners."

The Phase I Site Assessment Report, endorsed by JAG, recommended establishing separation zones as a buffer between cleanup activities on the coke ovens and tar ponds sites and adjacent properties. JAG then asked the government partners to implement this recommendation. Washburn and Gillis Associates Ltd. will outline the steps and criteria necessary to develop separation zones.

Mr. Fraser said he is pleased work on the site is moving forward. "The people of Sydney want to know what we are doing to clean up these sites. This is another step forward in the cleanup. We are committed to working with the different levels of government to get this job done."

JAG is a partner in the cleanup with the province, the federal government, and the Cape Breton Regional Municipality.

The tender is valued at $56,890 and is part of the $62-million cost-shared agreement between the three levels of government. In May, all three agreed to allocate the $62 million over the next three years to support projects identified by JAG.