No. A010/03For release - July 16, 2003
GOOSE BAY, Labrador — Lawrence O'Brien, MP for Labrador, on behalf of Transport Minister David Collenette, today announced the awarding of a $491,000 contract to Locbar Limited of Mount Pearl, Newfoundland and Labrador for environmental remediation work on Transport Canada property at the Goose Bay Airport. This is the first of a three-phase environmental remediation project estimated at $2.9 million for the Northside Property at the Goose Bay Airport.
The first phase of the project involves the removal and the disposal in an environmentally appropriate manner of eleven underground fuel storage tanks, the former power plant building and various other partially demolished structures, as well as underground and aboveground pipelines, which were part of the former fuel distribution system. Various miscellaneous metal debris - such as two partially buried aircraft and approximately 45 old barrels - will also be removed. Work is expected to begin by mid-July and be completed by mid-October.
"This multi-million dollar project demonstrates the Government of Canada's commitment to managing its contaminated sites in a responsible, timely and efficient manner," said Mr. O'Brien.
Phase two of the project will involve additional site assessments and geophysical investigation to delineate the extent of hydrocarbon contamination in the soil. This work is planned for 2004. Phase three will involve soil and groundwater remediation, including removal of any petroleum products, as necessary. This work is planned for 2005.
"A safe, efficient and environmentally sustainable transportation system is critical to our future prosperity and well being," said Minister Collenette. "An environmentally sustainable transportation system will create more favourable conditions for strong and sustainable growth for all Canadians today and in the future."
The Goose Bay Airport is owned and operated by the Department of National Defence (DND), which has an agreement with the Goose Bay Airport Corporation for the management of civilian airport services currently located on the south side of the airport. Transport Canada also owns 85 hectares of mostly vacant land at the Goose Bay Airport that is commonly referred to as the Northside Property.
The development of the Northside Property, first for military and then for civilian airport activities, dates back to 1941. These activities resulted in some contamination of the property, mainly by hydrocarbons. The completion of this three-phase remediation project by 2006 will help ensure the Northside Property meets all appropriate environmental guidelines and standards and will make it available for future development.
Funding for the project was provided for in the February 2003 budget.
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Contact:
Tracey HennesseyCommunications, St. John's, NLTransport Canada(709) 772-6197
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