Municipal Affairs
July 7, 2008

Further Study to be Conducted in Daniel�s Harbour

The Provincial Government will fund a stage 1 geotechnical study in Daniel�s Harbour, following the June 18 landslide.

"Our priority continues to be the health and safety of the residents of Daniel�s Harbour and at this point, there is no indication of any immediate risk to area residents, property or infrastructure," said the Honourable Dave Denine, Minister of Municipal Affairs. "The purpose of this stage 1 study is to confirm that the established safety zone is still valid. If the study confirms this and there is no further risk to people or property, then further study may not be warranted. The study will be able to provide us with the information we need in order to make an informed decision as to whether any additional work is required."

Jacques Whitford will be engaged to conduct the study in the immediate area of the most recent slide, which is south of the major slide that occurred last year. The consultant will be supported by senior staff from the Department of Natural Resources; the town�s consultant, Hatch Mott McDonald; as well as a landslide expert. The study will involve a desktop comprehensive evaluation of historical landslide data; a detailed field visit, and a thorough assessment and re-evaluation of the safety exclusion zone.

On June 18, a landslide occurred in Daniel�s Harbour. Safety measures were immediately taken, the site secured and area monitoring continues. On-site engineers confirmed that the slide posed no immediate threat to Daniel�s Harbour residents, property or infrastructure. Engineers conducted a preliminary study and met with Provincial Government officials for a technical briefing last week. The preliminary study recommended a stage 1 geotechnical study be undertaken to confirm the established safety exclusion zone.

Terms of Reference are currently being drafted and it is expected that the study can begin within one week. It is anticipated that the study will be concluded in approximately eight weeks.

"This is another important step in determining the long-term safety and well-being for the community of Daniel�s Harbour," said St. Barbe MHA Wallace Young. "This process will ensure that the appropriate measures are being taken and the residents of Daniel�s Harbour can have peace of mind regarding this challenging situation."

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Media contact:

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

2008 07 07                                                       10:15 a.m.

 


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