The Town of Norman�s Cove-Long Cove will undertake work to seal 11 decommissioned artesian wells. The Provincial Government has approved the cost-shared project to comply with environmental regulations governing the decommissioning of unused water supplies.

"Our government recognizes the need to minimize risk to drinking water resources that exist in the absence of sealing unused artesian wells," says the Honourable Dave Denine, Minister of Municipal Affairs. "Access to safe water is a priority for our government. The transition to a new water supply is to ensure an efficient supply of safe water for residents of Bellevue"

Through the 2007-08 Municipal Capital Works Program 11 artesian wells are slated to be sealed, preventing any environmental damage, including the contamination from surface water infiltration. This project will be cost-shared between the municipality and the Provincial Government at a cost of $67,900. The contract has been awarded to H & B Construction Ltd., and work will begin immediately.

"As the former Mayor of Norman�s Cove-Long Cove and as the newly elected MHA for the region, I am pleased to see this project begin," says Calvin Peach, MHA for the District of Bellevue. "Protecting our water supply which residents use for everything such as drinking or bathing is an important initiative for the Town of Norman�s Cove-Long Cove."

The Municipal Capital Works Program provides support to municipalities to develop a wide range of municipal infrastructure and is cost-shared between the province and municipalities. In 2007-08 the Municipal Capital Works Program is valued at $34.2 million, which includes a provincial contribution of $22.2 million.

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Media contact:
Heather MacLean
Director of Communications
Department of Municipal Affairs
709-729-1983, 690-2498
heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca