Foxeye Environmental Coalition receives Waste Management Trust Fund grant

Kevin Aylward, Minister of Environment, and Gordon Seabright, Chairman of the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board (MMSB), today announced that Foxeye Environmental Coalition received a $5,000 grant from the Newfoundland and Labrador Waste Management Trust Fund.

The Foxeye Environmental Coalition received $5,000 for the removal of asphalt, oil tanks, and concrete left over from the old Harmon Airforce Base. Over the past number of years, the Foxeye Environmental Coalition has been very active in the town, conducting clean ups of both Noel�s Pond and parts of Warm Brook. To implement this clean up project, the coalition will utilize youth volunteers and students from the community.

Since the Newfoundland and Labrador Waste Management Trust Fund was established in 1999, government has approved 246 applications and approximately $6.3 million in contributions. This funding has been disbursed to 280 schools, more than 150 municipalities, 35 environmental and community groups, and several businesses and school districts.

"We all have a role to play in waste management. While government is responsible for implementing a provincial waste management strategy and for setting standards, guidelines and policies, it is the people who ultimately implement modern waste management by changing attitudes and behaviours towards the handling of solid waste. When communities, local organizations, and volunteers participate, everyone benefits," said Minister Aylward.

"I am pleased with the success of the trust fund initiative. The implementation of these projects has helped clean up our communities, educate the public, and divert waste from our landfills," said Gordon Seabright. "As the province moves forward with the provincial waste management strategy, MMSB will continue to meet its mandate of working with the Department of Environment and other stakeholders to develop and implement new waste diversion programs for the province."

Media contact:

Karen O�Neill, Multi-Materials Stewardship Board, (709) 753-0949

Cynthia Layden Barron, Department of Environment, (709) 729-2575

2002 08 23                     11:50 a.m.