Report Shows Continued Good Regulation of Tar Ponds Cleanup

The province is continuing to effectively regulate the Sydney Tar Ponds and Coke Ovens site cleanup, according to an external board.

Environment Minister Sterling Belliveau today, June 21, received the fourth annual report from the Remediation Monitoring Oversight Board on how the department is performing as the project's primary regulator.

"The province continues to ensure the Sydney Tar Ponds Agency meets the terms and conditions of its environmental approval," said Mr. Belliveau. "The independent board has found once again that government is doing a good job protecting the environment and health of families in the Sydney area."

"The Department of Environment is responding appropriately to any issues with the project or concerns raised by the public," said Remediation Monitoring Oversight Board chair Sinclair Dewis. "While odour remains an issue with residents, there were half as many complaints in 2011 compared to 2010."

The board also found that project partners are working well together to be as efficient and effective as possible.

The Remediation Monitoring Oversight Board was created in January 2008.

The department will review the report before responding. Members of the board are Sinclair Dewis, Edwin MacLellan and Colin Hines.

A copy of the Remediation Monitoring Oversight Board report is available at www.gov.ns.ca/nse/ea/tarponds/RMOB.2012.Report.pdf .

The clean up is scheduled to be complete by March 31, 2014.