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Kelvin Parsons, Opposition Natural Resources Critic and MHA for the District
of Burgeo-Lapoile, is calling upon government to move forward and outline an
action plan to clean up and rehabilitate the former Baie Verte mine site.
Government received an Environmental Site Assessment on the problems facing
the Baie Verte site in March 2005. Even though the report raises major
concerns regarding asbestos present at the site and tailings that are
polluting a nearby river system, government withheld the public release of
this document and refused to consult with affected groups and councils in
the area. A recent request by a media reporter through the Access to
Information Act finally forced the release of this report.
"I was surprised that government has been hiding this report for the past
year," said Mr. Parsons. "With the environmental and health problems that
are being encountered at that site, government should have advised the
people of the province, especially local residents, of the concerns that
have been raised in this report.
"Similar to the situation that was encountered at the former Hope Brook
Mine site, government must immediately develop a reclamation plan that will
address the environmental problems present at the site. It is not acceptable
to have pollutants and tailings leaching into a local body of water that
could contaminate local marine life and conditions. In addition, the amount
of airborne asbestos present at the site is cause for much concern. Asbestos
has been linked to major health problems and this must be addressed
immediately.
"I am disappointed that government did not inform the people of the
province of the environmental liabilities and problems that were outlined in
this report. Now that this information has been made public, I am calling
upon the Departments of Natural Resources and Environment to work together,
develop an action plan and ensure this site is rehabilitated as soon as
possible."
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