Residents of the Town of Burgeo will soon have access to better quality drinking water. The Honourable Dave Denine, Minister of Municipal Affairs, was in Burgeo today to announce provincial funding of $548,480 to complete a water treatment plant.

"I am extremely pleased to be in Burgeo today to announce funding for a state-of-the-art water treatment facility," said Minister Denine. "As a part of the treatment system, this facility will use Ozone technology to ensure Burgeo residents have access to clean and safe drinking water for years to come."

Presently Burgeo�s tap water contains levels of trihalomethanes (THMs) (a disinfection by- product) above the acceptable standard for drinking water. In 2001, the department, in conjunction with the town and federal government, approved $2.95 million for development of a water treatment plant. In 2004, prior to its completion, a severe fire occurred causing major damage to the plant. Due to the extended period of time expected for the issue of cause and responsibility to be settled by the courts, the town, the province and the federal government attempted to deal with the town�s water quality issue by approving a second project. In 2007, funding under the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF) was approved to replace the treatment system. The additional funds announced today account for inflationary factors, increase in construction costs and inclusion of additional treatment equipment, including air compressor tanks.

"Now that all the required funds have been secured, limited construction can begin this fall with an anticipated completion date of spring 2010," added Minister Denine. "I thank area residents for their patience in this matter and along with them; the Provincial Government certainly looks forward to this facility becoming a reality."

In May 2008, under the Drinking Water Safety Initiative, the Department of Municipal Affairs announced it would invest $6 million annually towards infrastructure to provide clean, safe drinking water to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

Media contact:

Jennifer Collingwood
Director of Communications
Department of Municipal Affairs
709-729-1983, 690-2498
JenniferCollingwood@gov.nl.ca