November 7, 1997
(Environment and Labour)

Further Clean-up Announced for Former Military Sites in Labrador

In July of this year, Environment and Labour Minister, Oliver Langdon, announced $12,500 to begin removal of abandoned drums and surface debris at sites in Hopedale and Northwest Point. Today, Mr. Langdon announced further plans to clean-up former military sites in Labrador.

For the immediate future, the plan involves continued removal of abandoned drums and surface debris from Northwest Point, as well as general clean-up of this area. In addition, proposals will be solicited from qualified professionals for investigation of the extent of contamination at the Northwest Point site, including water and soil sampling. The Government Services Centre is also reviewing progress at Hopedale on behalf of the Department of Environment and Labour with regards to the removal of drums from the watershed area and removal of an abandoned electrical transformer from the area. As well, proposals will be solicited from consultants to evaluate further clean-up requirements at Hopedale. Other sites will be evaluated as necessary.

Two hundred thousand dollars has been allocated to carry out this next phase of work. Mr. Langdon stated that a phased approach is necessary for this type of site remediation.

"Before we can remediate the site, we have to conduct an environmental site assessment to determine the amount of contamination and the nature of the substances in the soil," said the minister.

Mr. Langdon also stated today that the clean-up of these sites in Labrador is a priority of the department and there is a full commitment to the remediation of these sites.

"We will be working closely with the local councils to ensure clean-up is conducted in accordance with environmental and occupational health and safety standards," said Mr. Langdon.

Contact: Sean Kelly, Director of Communications, Department of Environment and Labour, (709) 729-2575.