Mr. Speaker, during a seven year period of working closely with the community through the joint action group on all aspects of the Sydney Tar Ponds project, a review of proven technologies was conducted. Some of the specific technologies reviewed included: bioremediation, stabilization and solidification, soil washing, thermal desorption, pyrolysis, hydrogen reduction, incineration, co-burning and capping, and containment. Following the review, the Government of Canada supported the Province of Nova Scotia in developing a short list of options for the cleanup. Six options were identified for the tar ponds and four for the coke ovens. The options included combinations of containment, soil washing, bioremediation, co-burning, incineration, and pyrolysis technologies. These options were based on the community’s desire for a permanent cleanup that uses proven technologies.
In May 2004, this government entered into a memorandum of agreement with the Province of Nova Scotia. This MOA is intended to facilitate the final phase of the remediation of the site. The province submitted details of the project to our government in late December 2004. This detailed project description will undergo a thorough review and approval process under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act.
The Minister for Public Works and Government Services Canada will lead the Government of Canada’s continuing support of the province.