Director of Sydney Operations Named to Clean-up Team

TRANSPORTATION/PUBLIC WORKS--Director of Sydney Operations Named to Clean-up Team

The province has named its Sydney-based director of operations for the Sydney Tar Ponds/Coke Ovens Clean-up Agency (N.S.). Environmental engineer Frank Potter will join the team and be in charge of managing technical operations for the project in Sydney. He will also serve as an additional liaison with the community, working closely with lead communicator Phonse Jessome, who will spend the majority of his time working in the community.

In making today's announcement, Ron Russell, Minister of Transportation and Public Works, said Mr. Potter is a true asset to this team and this project.

"Frank is highly regarded in Sydney and throughout the province," said Mr. Russell. "He brings a diverse background, and completes a strong team that will lead and co-ordinate the efforts of provincial staff already based in Sydney and working on the project."

"We are delighted to have Frank join the team," said Bob Fowler, chief executive officer of the newly formed agency. "Frank not only has the technical skills, but is a Sydney native who knows and understands the many concerns attached to the tar ponds and coke ovens clean-up effort."

Mr. Potter has substantial experience working in the areas of hazardous waste and emergency response. He spent 10 years with the province's environment department as assistant director of resource management and pollution control. For the past decade he has worked in the Sydney area, first as director of public works for the Town of Glace Bay and most recently as senior environmental engineer for Cape Breton Regional Municipality. There, he was assigned to the tar ponds clean-up.

"This is a project I know, and I believe we can make a difference by providing a single point of contact on the provincial level," said Mr. Potter. "I am thrilled to be joining the team and anxious to begin working with some of the local people and resources who can help us get down to business."

The Sydney Tar Ponds/Coke Ovens Clean-up Agency (N.S.), will manage the province's involvement in the project and continue to work with the federal and municipal governments and the Joint Action Group to co-ordinate and implement activities associated with the tar ponds and coke ovens. Gary Campbell completes the team as executive director of operations.

Mr. Potter will officially join the provincial team, September 10.