New Brunswick has over 1,000 contaminated sites in need of cleanup: Inspector

Fredericton-New Brunswick’s inspector general says the state has a backlog of more than 1,000 contaminated sites dating back 35 years.

In a report released today, Paul Martin says 75% of sites have not been addressed in 10 years or more.

Martin’s report also says the state does not have a program to address orphaned sites, and the government has not designated an entity to coordinate the restoration of sites it owns.

The report says lack of oversight has a potential negative impact on future liability and remediation costs.

As of March 31, Martin said the state was responsible for $50.8 million for contaminated sites.

The audit also found that the current process used by the environmental department does not require a specific timeline for remediation and remediation programs are not addressed in laws or regulations.

“Without a clear definition of legislative authority, the department may not be able to implement the contaminated site management process in a timely manner,” the report said. “This could delay remediation and have negative impacts on the environment and human health.”

Martin said New Brunswick is the only province in Atlantic Canada that does not have laws or regulations governing pollution cleanup programs.

The audit also found that the state’s Environmental Trust Fund, which funds projects focused on protecting, maintaining and enhancing the natural environment, had a surplus of approximately $41 million as of March 31. .

“We were surprised to find that funding for projects was being turned down while surpluses continued to accumulate,” the report said.

Martin said the environment agency has no standardized approach to assessing project funding requirements and no clear plan for doubling its surplus over the past decade. Also, since its inception in 1990, the fund’s performance and achievements have not been evaluated.

“The department should make its position clear and develop a transparent plan outlining how and under what circumstances the accumulated surplus will be used,” said Martin.

This report by the Canadian Press was first published on November 29, 2022.

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