$1.5 Million for Environmental Clean-up at
Former Military Site in St. Anthony

Environment and Conservation Minister Tom Osborne announced today government has approved $1.5 million for environmental clean-up at the former military site in St. Anthony.

"The new funding provided in Budget 2004 for the clean-up of the St. Anthony former military site demonstrates government’s commitment to addressing environmental issues at the site," said Minister Osborne. "Government takes the issue of contaminated sites very seriously and the remediation work we will undertake in St. Anthony indeed demonstrates this."

The minister said a plan is being developed that will provide details of the type of work to be carried out at the site to address contaminated soil containing PCBs, hydrocarbons and metals. "The project will commence this year; however, we are still in the process of identifying the exact work that will be carried out. We hope to finalize this information soon," said Minister Osborne. "Once this information is available, we will be communicating with the Town of St. Anthony on government’s plans for the clean-up of the former military site this year."

Minister Osborne said remediation at the St. Anthony site has been done by the department previously, and results from work carried within the past year has shown the need for additional clean-up at the site. "As a result of the latest work done, we have decided to make the St. Anthony contaminated site our priority this fiscal year and are committed to carrying out the work in a timely manner.

"Government will continue to evaluate and clean up contaminated sites around the province on a priority basis and as resources permit. We are committed to protecting our environment and ensuring a healthy and clean environment for our children and grandchildren," he said.

Media contact: Sonia B. Glover, Communications (709) 729-2575

2004 03 30                                    2:50 p.m.