The Minister of Environment and Conservation, the Honourable Charlene Johnson, questions the change of perspective by the provincial NDP leader Lorraine Michael on the use of a natural pond as the best available option for hydromet residue. In a Telegram article on October 21, the NDP leader said "The government paved the way for two ponds in Central Newfoundland, part of Duck Pond mine and now Sandy Pond in Long Harbour to be turned into tailings dumps."

"I challenge the NDP leader to come forward and explain why her perspective on using a natural water body as the best environmental alternative for dealing with the sulphur bearing nature of hydromet residue has changed since her time on the environmental assessment panel for the Voisey's Bay Nickel Company's project in Labrador," said Minister Johnson. "At that time, she was part of the panel that assessed the project and determined that the disposal of the tailings into a natural pond, namely Headwater Pond, was the best available option for disposal."

The Report on the Proposed Voisey's Bay Mine and Mill Project was published in 1999 and was signed by the five panel members, one of whom was Lorraine Michael. The report concluded that the site selection process was adequate and did incorporate environmental factors. It stated on page 42 of the report that "the panel believes that VBNC chose the best available natural options."

"Many of the same reasons why the panel, including Lorraine Michael, agreed back in 1999 that a natural water body was the best available option are relevant in the case of Sandy Pond," said Minister Johnson. "A man-made alternative at a dry-land location for Long Harbour was considered for the tailings residue site, but was not the preferred option because of many engineering, design and structural integrity concerns that would undermine its stability in the long term. Furthermore, the use of Sandy Pond for this project translates into a much smaller environmental footprint, given a man-made excavated pit option would also include the loss of trees and habitat. So, again, I would ask Ms. Michael to explain why the change in position."

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