Interview with Germaine LeMoyne
(Public Relations -- Joint Action Group)

1.Is there a human health hazard to living near the tar ponds?

JAG is trying to determine if the Muggah Creek site (includes Tar Ponds and Coke Ovens site) is a human health hazard. Proper studies have to be done to determine if there is a cause-effect relationship. JAG is using a very scientific approach. There are no studies to date that make a link between the Muggah Creek area and the health of residents in the Sydney area.

2. What three things should the public be aware of re the tar ponds? Which of these is your major concern?

There are immediate dangers on the site, both above and underground . These include toxins and physical hazards. A fence has been erected on the site .The public must become aware of the extent of the project. There are contaminants and sewage flowing into the site . JAG wants people to know how extensive and sick this area is, in the middle of a city. People should also understand the complexity of the problem (i.e. what chemicals are there, the harmful effects etc.) JAG wants people to become involved to help clean up the area.

3 . Is JAG fulfilling its mandate?

Yes, definitely. JAG is community based with representatives from three levels of government and other community interests . The Muggah Creek area is one of North America's worst toxic waste sites. The process has been started by first getting rid of some immediate dangers. JAG has come a long way but we have to realize the extent and impact of this project. Health studies and environmental data gathering have been initiated. Science is leading the project and as a result it is a time consuming process.

4. Why do you think the name changed from Sydney Tar Ponds Clean Up Inc. to Sydney Environmental Resource Ltd. (SERL)?

No answer .They (SERL) are a different organization than JAG.

5. Do you think the people are getting accurate information?

JAG is providing accurate information. Some individuals are providing a narrow viewpoint on the issue.

6. Why has it taken so long to clean it up?

Science has to lead the project. Community and government involvement will take time. The project is moving in a concerted and deliberate way.

7. What method is best for cleanup?

This question can't be answered at this point in time. You have to determine what you are dealing with first. You have to match the correct remediation option with the hazard. More than likely there will be several methods chosen for various components of the clean-up. We are studying all aspects of remediation.

8. Why did it take so long to recognize the problem?

people have worked at Sydney Steel from all around the world. It provided jobs. The closure of the lobster fishery was an important indication of the seriousness of the problem. I am not sure why it took so long to recognize the problem.

9. What are your sources of information regarding the tar ponds? (Muggah Creek)

JAG has a working group for scientific information. The working group suggests an area that should be studied and makes their recommendation to the JAG Roundtable. If the recommendation is approved it goes to the government agencies for funding.The lead agency (government) tenders the study to private contractors. The results are presented to JAG and are available to the general public.

10. Will the problem ever be resolved?

Yes, Muggah Creek will be cleaned up. It will take many years ,perhaps twenty or more. The degree to which the cleanup will be done has to be determined.

11.What is your major concern with the Tar Ponds (Muggah Creek)?

The community has to become involved in this very important endeavour . It has an effect on everyone. JAG would like to see more participation from the community to resolve the questions. JAG wants community based decisions.

12. What do you see as the major stumbling block to the cleanup?

People have to have patience. Don't criticize if your not part of the process. This is a major undertaking. To criticize without knowing is wrong. This is a scientific process and therefor requires substantial time.

13. Should the people of Frederick Street be relocated? If so how and who is responsible?

JAG is trying to determine , through science , the effects. There have been no conclusions to date but some results are expected this week.

[Debates]