Canada and Yukon Agree to Fund Marwell Remediation

Ref. #2-3379

Whitehorse, Yukon (June 29, 2010) — The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians and the Honourable John Edzerza, Minister of Environment for the Government of Yukon, announced today an agreement to fund the remediation of the Marwell Tar Pit in Whitehorse, the largest hydro-carbon contaminated site in Yukon.

“Remediation of the World War II-era tar pit has been a long-standing, complex issue in the territory that has faced many hurdles,” Minister Strahl said. “Canada and Yukon have agreed to fund this project to ensure the health and safety of Northerners and the protection of our northern environment, while creating employment opportunities.

The 10-year-long project is estimated to cost $6.8 million; Canada will fund 70 per cent (to a maximum of $4.76 million) and Yukon will fund 30 per cent. The Government of Yukon will lead the work on the remediation project.

“This agreement will make it possible to remove an environmental hazard that has long been of concern to Yukoners,” Minister Edzerza said. “Cleaning up the site will benefit the people working in the area, improve local ground water quality, and help the environment overall.”

Assessment and remediation will be done in three phases. Preliminary activities, beginning with the hiring of a project manager, will take place in Phase I. The second phase will be two years of engineering and remedial work. Post-remedial activities will be conducted during Phase III; this will include groundwater monitoring, re-vegetation and regulatory review over a period of four years. Finally, the Yukon Government will issue a compliance certificate, as required under the Environment Act (Yukon).

The tar pit site should be fully remediated by 2021. The governments will discuss employment and procurement opportunities with the Ta'an Kwäch'än Council and the Kwanlin Dün First Nation in whose traditional territory the site lies. The Government of Yukon will also keep First Nations, area property owners and stakeholders informed about the project.

The Government of Yukon will also be responsible for carrying out this project. It will ensure all activities meet the regulatory and licensing requirements called for under the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Act and the Yukon Environment Act.

Today's announcement supports Canada's integrated Northern Strategy which aims to strengthen our northern sovereignty, promote economic and social development, protect our environmental heritage and improve Northern governance.

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