Joint Panel Findings Released

The Sydney Tar Ponds and Coke Ovens clean-up project has taken another step forward.

The Joint Panel Review findings on environmental assessment for the Sydney Tar Ponds and Coke Oven Sites Remediation Project were released today, July 13.

"The joint panel met all of its deadlines and submitted its report on schedule," said Mark Parent, Minister of Environment and Labour. "This is an excellent example of how governments can work together to further environmental goals and to address public concerns in a timely manner."

"This is an important milestone in the remediation of the Sydney Tar Ponds and Coke Ovens sites," said Rona Ambrose, federal Minister of Environment. "The joint panel is to be congratulated for conducting a rigorous, timely and an open and transparent review of this major undertaking for the people of Sydney."

Both governments will now take the time required to carefully review the joint panel's recommendations. Mr. Parent will consider the panel conclusions and recommendations and will make public his decision on the project pursuant to the Nova Scotia Environment Act.

The government of Canada (under the lead of Public Works and Government Services Canada) will prepare a response to the report and submit it to the governor-in-council for approval. The decision will then be made public.

A copy of the report can be found on the Nova Scotia Environment and Labour website at www.gov.ns.ca/enla/ .

A summary of the report can be found on the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency website at www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca .