Final Phase of Buchans Remediation to Begin

Demonstrating the Provincial Government’s continued commitment to safeguarding the environment, the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Environment and Conservation, announced today tenders will be issued on May 25 to begin the final phase of the remediation project in the Town of Buchans.

“Our government has acted to remediate the soil impacted by tailings at the former mine site in Buchans to reduce any potential adverse effects,” said Minister Hedderson. “For each of the past three budgets we have been diligent in providing funds to remediate this site, always keeping in mind government’s promise for a clean, healthy ecosystem and sustainable environment for everyone.”

In Budget 2013: A Sound Plan, A Secure Future, the Provincial Government allocated $2.5 million for the ongoing remediation of the impacted soil in residential and public areas in the Town of Buchans, bringing the total investment in the project to $14 million since 2010.

“Reducing potential environmental health risks though this project is a commitment we made to the people of Buchans and I am delighted we are completing the final phase of remediation within the town this year,” said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services and MHA for Grand Falls-Windsor - Buchans. “I’m proud to say we have fulfilled our promise to the Town of Buchans and are closing in on finalizing this remediation project.”

The last phase of the project will commence once tenders are issued and awarded. The first two phases consisted of capping the tailings spill area and remediation, removal and replacement of impacted soil on more than 200 residential properties and public areas.

“I’m pleased to see even in a time when government has to be very cognizant of every dollar spent that the Town of Buchans and this project is still a priority,” said Mayor Derm Corbett. “We look forward to the completion of this project in the coming months.”

Tenders will close on June 10 and work will begin on the final phase later in the month.

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2013 05 23             10:10 a.m.