Governments Form Community Liaison Committee for Tar Ponds Cleanup

TRANSPORTATION/PUBLIC WORKS--Governments Form Community Liaison Committee for Tar Ponds Cleanup

The federal and provincial governments will establish a Community Liaison Committee to ensure a continuing two-way flow of information during the Sydney tar ponds cleanup.

The two governments will also establish a storefront information office at an easily accessible location near the cleanup site. Negotiations for a suitable office are now underway.

The Community Liaison Committee will consist of up to 15 citizens of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM), nominated by local organizations with significant track records in such areas as business, labour, health, environment, recreation and post- secondary education.

David Darrow, CEO of the Provincial Sydney Tar Ponds Agency, said the committee fits the needs of CBRM residents who were consulted this summer.

"People cautioned against a complicated process that could sidetrack cleanup work," Mr. Darrow said. "They recommended a community liaison committee small enough to be effective, yet large enough to be representative.

"The strongest message we received is: Do the work, do it safely and do it now."

Garth Bangay, regional director general for Environment Canada, said, "This program allows us to adapt our approach to meet the needs of the residents and stakeholders."

The two governments based the engagement program on a review of best practices in public liaison and on a series of interviews with local groups and individuals by independent facilitator Bruce Smith.

Mr. Smith's report said residents want government to look ahead, focus on the cleanup, create opportunities for information exchange, pay special attention to those living close to the site and ensure there is no gap in the flow of accurate and timely information.

The federal and provincial governments will ask for expressions of interest from organizations interested in recommending members for the committee. The cleanup project will also establish a mechanism for direct consultations with CBRM's mayor and councillors.

"The existence of contaminated industrial properties in Sydney, and the notoriety surrounding them, affect all citizens of CBRM," the terms of reference for the Community Liaison Committee state. "They have impeded the municipality's social and economic progress, stirred bitter controversy, and diverted energy from other, more forward-looking community pursuits."

The document says everyone wants to see the cleanup carried out safely and efficiently. "For this to happen, the project needs public understanding and support, and governments need to understand the public's views, concerns, and ideas about the project."

Following a community recommendation on cleanup options last spring, governments are working on three major decisions: what cleanup method will be used; who will carry out the work and; who will pay for it.

Once the cleanup method is determined and funding secured, an environmental assessment will begin. The environmental assessment is legislated by government to ensure that the project will safeguard the environment and human health.

Mr. Bangay said the project is now shifting from consultation and investigation to technical planning and implementation.

The memorandum of understanding that established the Joint Action Group (JAG) expires Thursday. Mr. Bangay and Mr. Darrow praised the hard work by JAG volunteers in preparing for the cleanup over the last seven years.

"Under often difficult circumstances, dedicated JAG volunteers were able to keep the community focused on the required steps leading up to the launch of the final cleanup," Mr. Bangay said.