TRANSPORTATION/PUBLIC WORKS--Demonstration Project Moves Closer

The Joint Action Group is taking another step towards the cleanup of the Muggah Creek Watershed. On behalf of the group, the Department of Transportation and Public Works, is seeking proposals from companies interested in demonstrating promising technologies that could be considered for the cleanup of the Sydney Tar Ponds.

The department will be issuing a request for proposals for the demonstration of removal and transportation technologies, suitable for the movement of the tar ponds sediment.

There will also be a request for expressions of interest for another demonstration project to deal with remediation of the tar ponds sediment. Although many vendors have already submitted their names to the Joint Action Group, this process is designed to ensure all interested companies have an opportunity to be considered.

"This program is a critical step in the evaluation stage of the cleanup," said Dan Fraser, chair of the Joint Action Group. "Pilot scale technology demonstrations are essential if we are to be able to judge what will work given the unique characteristics of the site."

The eventual selection of prospective technology demonstration projects will include community involvement and consultation. It is expected the selection process will lead to technology demonstration projects on the tar ponds site in mid to late 2001. Evaluation and the short-listing of technologies for further consideration will be ready by early 2002.