Opposition Environment Critic and MHA for the District of Port de Grave, Roland Butler, says his office has learned that the recommendations of a 2006 AMEC Report on the proposed clean-up and closure of the New Harbour Barrens landfill were never implemented.

The disclosure came at a meeting held on July 24^th with officials of the department of Environment and Conservation, following unsatisfactory responses to questions directed by Butler to the minister during the last sitting of the House of Assembly.

"We were shocked to discover that none of the recommendations of the AMEC report were actually implemented, including testing of the deepest layers of Denny’s Pond for contamination," says Butler. "While measures have been taken to contain leachate from the site and a tender has been let to remove a small amount of contaminated soil, I get the feeling that the department is not looking for trouble here."

Butler points out that community residents are now aware that hundreds of tandem loads of unclean transformers were buried in their landfill over the years. "So, clearly, they are not satisfied with the department’s insistence that this area is environmentally safe."

The Liberal MHA says that the closure of any landfill site should always involve proper clean-up; however, it appears that the department is focusing on problem areas which have been identified. Residents feel that more effective assessment methods would uncover other problems. One related issue which concerned citizens was the use of several conflicting and often inaccurate maps by the department and the consulting firm. Officials have now recognized this as a serious concern and will address the issue with federal and civil representatives to ensure accuracy.

"Residents are now calling upon the minister and her personnel to visit the landfill area, consult with citizens and take a first-hand look at some of the technical and environmental issues that remain outstanding. Perhaps then, the department will take a look at fully implementing the recommendations of the AMEC report, which would restore faith in the closure process for these concerned citizens and in the ability of the department to better protect our environment here in the province."