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Joint Review Panel
Sydney Tar Ponds and Coke Ovens Sites
Remediation Project
www.stpco-review.ca
Joint Review Panel for the Sydney Tar Ponds and Coke Ovens Sites Remediation Project Issues Operational Procedures for Public Hearings
Sydney – February 2, 2006 – The Joint Review Panel for the Sydney Tar Ponds and Coke Ovens Sites Remediation Project today released operational procedures for public hearings. The details contained in the operational procedures will assist the public in preparing to participate in the next phase of the environmental assessment.
"Public hearings will be held to gather information in a format that is governed by a clear set of guiding principles," said Lesley Griffiths, chair of the Joint Review Panel. "The operational procedures clearly define those principles so presenters can feel comfortable with the process and design their presentations accordingly".
The procedures document provides a framework for public hearings including time allowances for presentations, details on the information exchange during proceedings and a general outline of the hearing schedule.
"Although the public comment period on the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) doesn't end until February 16, we felt it was important to issue the operational procedures as early as possible. This will lead to an efficient process with meaningful discussions."
The Panel is currently reviewing the EIS and public comments to determine if the EIS is adequate. This will continue until the February 16th close of the comment period. Once the Panel has determined it has gathered all of the necessary information, a notice will be issued 21 days in advance of the start of hearings, in keeping with the Joint Panel Agreement signed by federal and provincial environment ministers in August 2005.
The hearings will allow all participants to provide information and viewpoints on the environmental impacts of the remediation project planned for the Sydney Tar Ponds and adjacent Coke Ovens site. The Panel has the responsibility to identify, evaluate and report on the potential environmental effects to the federal Minister of the Environment and the Nova Scotia Minister of Environment and Labour.
For further details on the operational procedures, visit the Panel's website at www.stpco-review.ca
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Media may contact:
Debbie Hendriksen
Communications Advisor
(902) 577-5357
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