Western region landfill disposal ban on petroleum contaminated soil

Oliver Langdon, Minister of Environment and Labour, announced today that a landfill disposal ban on petroleum contaminated soil has been established on the west coast of the province to be effective August 31, 2000 with a province-wide ban to be implemented on June 30, 2001. The ban applies to soil exceeding 1,000 parts per million of total petroleum hydrocarbons.

Letters are now being sent to municipalities advising them that the disposal of petroleum contaminated soil into a landfill or incinerator site located within the boundaries of the area affected will no longer be permitted (Boundary description follows).

Petroleum contaminated soils are often generated by cleanups of spills and leaks from aboveground and underground tanks, tanker trucks, and pipelines. The minister noted that handling petroleum contaminated soil is a significant environmental issue in the province.

The minister is pleased to note that a petroleum contaminated soil treatment facility is now providing soil treatment services near Watson's Pond in Corner Brook and an application has been submitted for a second facility in Stephenville.

"I expect that the announcement of a province-wide ban will encourage industry to establish treatment facilities in other locations of the province," said Minister Langdon. "Government will continue to work with industry and municipalities to develop options for remote locations."

A ban, similar to the one described, was established in 1995 on the Avalon Peninsula when soil treatment services first became available. By 1997, three additional companies were approved to provide contaminated soil treatment services for the eastern region of the province.

Media contact: Sean Kelly, (709) 729-2575.

All areas extending from Harbour Le Cou, including Burgeo, to Western Pond Brook in Gros Morne National Park including the entire Port au Port Peninsula and all areas west of South Brook including all of the Baie Verte Peninsula.

On Route 430, the Northern Peninsula highway, all areas south of Western Pond Brook.

All areas north of and including Harbor Le Cou and Rose Blanche and all areas north of and including the community of Burgeo.

All areas west of, but not including, South Brook, and including all of the Baie Verte Peninsula and Route 420 to Jackson�s Arm.

All of the Port au Port peninsula, including Route 462 to Fox Island River.

2000 07 26                                     3:25 p.m.