August 26, 1999
(Environment and Labour)

Environment minister announces more study at former diesel generating plant in Westport

Oliver Langdon, Minister of Environment and Labour, has announced today that more study will be conducted in the area surrounding Hydro's former diesel generating plant in Westport on the Baie Verte Peninsula.

Minister Langdon said that he contacted Newfoundland Hydro and asked that they expand their soil sampling program to include drilling additional test pits near residential areas. The minister said that soil samples from the additional test pits will be taken by an independent environmental consulting firm, analyzed at an independent, certified laboratory and the results will be communicated directly back to government. Sampling sites will be selected in consultation with local residents.

"Although I am confident that the environmental work done by Hydro to date has been done in a completely professional manner, I want the residents of Westport to be satisfied that the assessment and cleanup of this site is being done in a thorough manner and that the area meets with acceptable soil quality guidelines," said Mr. Langdon. "My department is committed to do everything within reason to address the concerns of some residents that contaminants from the former plant are causing cancer."

Earlier this week, the environment critic called on government to review its policy with respect to allowing contaminated soils at landfills. Minister Langdon stated that in the absence of privately operated soil treatment facilities, the most practical place to dispose of this waste is at a landfill. "We have to be practical and responsible about this matter," said the minister. "The areas of the province which present the least amount of risk to health and the environment are landfill sites, as they are generally located away from water bodies and residential or commercial properties."

The environment critic also demanded this week that government review its policy with respect to allowing Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro to conduct its own environmental assessment and cleanup. Minister Langdon stated that he has no reason to believe that officials at Hydro would deliberately provide false or misleading information to the department and therefore does not feel the need to review this situation.

"What Mr. Osborne seems to be saying here is that a company like Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro that has internal environmental engineering expertise should not be trusted to conduct professional environmental engineering work," said Mr. Langdon. "I have no reason to question the competence and capability of Hydro's technical staff and I am confident that environmental projects undertaken by Hydro are conducted in accordance with professional engineering practices."

Media contact: Sean Kelly, Director of Communications, (709) 729-2575.

1999 08 26                    4:30 p.m.