Tenders to be Re-issued for Coke Ovens Site

TRANSPORTATION/PUBLIC WORKS -Tenders to be Re-issued for Coke Ovens Site

The Department of Transportation and Public Works will issue tenders in early- to mid-September for the removal of structures on the coke ovens site in Sydney. The structures are two smokestacks and an abandoned by-products building.

Tenders were issued earlier this year for the projects. However, bidders were unable to meet the necessary financial and technical requirements, including obtaining adequate workplace insurance.

The province is holding meetings with insurance companies to settle outstanding issues. These issues are expected to be resolved shortly.

The first priority for the department is to build an access road into the site and a wash plant, to be followed by removal of the structures.

Extensive environmental controls -- including an air-monitoring program -- will be in place during construction of the road and wash plant and removal of the structures.

The work is being carried out on behalf of the parties involved in cleaning up the coke ovens and tar ponds sites. It is a part of a $62-million cost-shared agreement. These parties include the province and federal governments and the Cape Breton Regional Municipality. It is also supported by a resolution of the Joint Action Group.

The province expects that work on the site could begin this fall.