Another step is expected this week in the proposed cleanup of coal tar contamination at Belleville’s harbour, but the issue of “who pays what” is far from settled.
At the Environmental Review Tribunal hearing in Toronto on Wednesday, Ministry of Environment lawyer Robert McCulloch told the Tribunal the risk management plan, for the area, that has been submitted should receive formal approval from the province this week.
The plan is for cleanup of contamination caused by a former gas plant, naming the City of Belleville, Sid Spiegel, Hawkins Cheezies, and others.
The environmental director’s order was issued to ensure that any environmental risks associated with the contamination from the original coal tar plant are appropriately addressed.
Belleville’s lawyer Harry Daume told the tribunal the parties have agreed to mediation on two dates this fall.
The issues are related to who pays what share in the cleanup.
Two mediation dates have been set for October.
McCulloch told the hearing the city of Belleville will start implementing the plan between now and the mediation dates.
Belleville Mayor Mitch Panciuk (File photo: Mary Thomas/Quinte News)
Belleville Mayor Mitch Panciuk tells Quinte News once the plan is approved by the Ministry of Environment, the city has a couple of aspects it has to comply with.
