Kenny Sharpe of The Muse, reports that just 90 minutes from St. John’s, a body of water known as Sandy Pond is generating discussion, with plans in place to turn the water body into a tailings pond by pumping potentially toxic byproducts of iron, gypsum, and sulphur directly into the fish habitat.
Sandy Pond, as a tailings pond, is part of mining giant Vale’s master plan for its multi-billion dollar nickel processing plant, currently under construction in Long Harbour, Newfoundland.
As Vale spokesperson Bob Carter indicated, the Long Harbour site will directly receive mined nickel, cobalt, and copper, which will arrive from their mining operation in Voisey’s Bay, Labrador.
Once the facility at Long Harbour is in operation, Carter says 99.9 per cent nickel will be produced through a lengthy, hydrometallurgical process, with the residue from this operation slated to be pumped directly into the neighbouring Sandy Pond.
Government opposition from the NDP and environment groups, such as the Sandy Pond Alliance, have come up with strong opposition against the use of Sandy Pond as Vale’s trash pit, yet Carter insists its use is necessary at Long Harbour’s hydromet plant.
As stated in a Vale document, the Long Harbour-Voisey’s Bay project will generate thousands of jobs, nearly $2.2-billion in induced income, while increasing the provincial GDP by some $20-billion. In that same document, Vale notes that they are aware that the disruption of some natural habitat is inevitable.
“For unavoidable loss, such as will occur for secure residue storage at Sandy Pond, a Fish Habitat Compensation Plan will be developed and implemented to ensure there is no net loss of productive fish habitat,” reads the document.
A 2008 report from Fisheries and Oceans Canada, also flagged the possible destruction of fish and wildlife habitats. “Accidental events and malfunctions, such as spills of acid, nickel concentrate, lime and limestone, and a dam failure at Sandy Pond, could result in damages to fish, fish habitat, and water quality,” said the June 2008 report, also noting that with a projected pond pH of 10, birds would not be harmed if they were to land in Sandy Pond.
When asked of the possible long-term effects of using Sandy Pond as a tailings pond, not only the effects on wildlife but on residents in the surrounding towns of Long Harbour-Mount Arlington Heights, Bill Montevecchi, a Memorial University research professor in psychology, biology, and ocean sciences and a member of the Sandy Pond Alliance, brought up the most recent national and global examples. He noted the toxic, red sludge that has covered parts of Hungary, just northwest of Budapest, from a dam which broke, resulting in the release of toxic byproducts from mining operations spanning decades in that country.
Montevecchi also referenced Canadian oilsand company, Syncrude, who just weeks ago paid approximately $3-million in environmental fines after the deaths of almost 400 ducks who landed in one of their artificial oil-tailing ponds. Continuing, he noted the increased rates of cancer and decreased life expectancies of people living in towns that border Alberta’s Athabasca River, where adjacent tailings ponds have led to an increase in river mercury and arsenic levels. “Water is a life-support system; life cannot exist without water,” said Montevecchi.
The operation at Long Harbour will produce some 375,000 tons of waste per year, which will be dumped into Sandy Pond. Speaking about Newfoundland and Labrador’s Minister of Environment and Conservation, Charlene Johnson, Montevecchi believes that deep down she must know this will be devastating. “I believe that, deep down in their hearts, the provincial and federal environment ministers know this is wrong,” said Montevecchi. At Confederation Hill in St. John’s, Minister Johnson says Montevecchi couldn’t possibly read her mind, and that she bases her decisions on science, not from her heart. “The decision that we made was based on science, and with the science and technology that is available today the best decision in this case was the use of Sandy Pond,” said Johnson.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Lazybones and Great Big Sea Support Smiling Land Foundation's Third Annual Rockin' Big Give
Lazybones, the newest musical adventure for CTV's Gemini-nominated MuchMore host and music journalist, Matt Wells, and former Arlibido front-man, Tim MacNeill, will hit the stage at this year's Rockin' Big Give fundraiser. The band will join headliners, Great Big Sea in support of Ronald McDonald House Newfoundland and Labrador. The festivities take place on December 4th at Toronto's legendary Masonic Temple for an unparalleled mainland party filled with East Coast flair.
Born in St. John's, Matt Wells spent the better part of 12 years releasing music and trying to slam his foot through every stage he performed on all over the world as a member of the notorious Newfoundland and Labrador band Bucket Truck. When not writing and performing music, Matt has a distinguished career as a music television host and music journalist, where he has helped hundreds of independent musicians gain national television exposure.
Lazybones' debut album 'Songs from Here' is a collection of songs featuring guest performances by Dave and Geoff Panting of Rawlins Cross, Jill Barber and Huey Lewis. "The idea that brought Tim and I together as Lazybones, aside from the music itself, was a desire to be part of presenting and performing music in a way that was bigger than record sales or notoriety," said Wells. "The opportunity to perform at an event that not only strives to connect people with music and culture, but also to raise money for causes and charities in my home province was an opportunity we jumped at, and feel very fortunate to be part of."
Joining Lazybones will be the evening's headliners, Great Big Sea, who took Toronto by storm at the first ever Rockin' Big Give in 2008. This year, in support of their tenth studio album, 'Safe Upon the Shore', the quintet will once again captivate the audience with their unique sound that truly encompasses the energetic spirit of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Follow the Smiling Land Foundation on Facebook - join us for all of the latest details on the third annual Rockin' Big Give. Newfoundland and Labrador hospitality means no friend request will be denied!
The Smiling Land Foundation consists of five ordinary people with extraordinary plans and the hearts to match. The Foundation strives to spread Canada's warm and welcoming East Coast culture and spirit through the Rockin' Big Give fundraiser in support of a different Newfoundland and Labrador charity each year. This one-of-a-kind Toronto kitchen party caters to an adult audience looking for a uniquely Canadian cultural celebration while contributing to a worthwhile cause.
Born in St. John's, Matt Wells spent the better part of 12 years releasing music and trying to slam his foot through every stage he performed on all over the world as a member of the notorious Newfoundland and Labrador band Bucket Truck. When not writing and performing music, Matt has a distinguished career as a music television host and music journalist, where he has helped hundreds of independent musicians gain national television exposure.
Lazybones' debut album 'Songs from Here' is a collection of songs featuring guest performances by Dave and Geoff Panting of Rawlins Cross, Jill Barber and Huey Lewis. "The idea that brought Tim and I together as Lazybones, aside from the music itself, was a desire to be part of presenting and performing music in a way that was bigger than record sales or notoriety," said Wells. "The opportunity to perform at an event that not only strives to connect people with music and culture, but also to raise money for causes and charities in my home province was an opportunity we jumped at, and feel very fortunate to be part of."
Joining Lazybones will be the evening's headliners, Great Big Sea, who took Toronto by storm at the first ever Rockin' Big Give in 2008. This year, in support of their tenth studio album, 'Safe Upon the Shore', the quintet will once again captivate the audience with their unique sound that truly encompasses the energetic spirit of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Follow the Smiling Land Foundation on Facebook - join us for all of the latest details on the third annual Rockin' Big Give. Newfoundland and Labrador hospitality means no friend request will be denied!
The Smiling Land Foundation consists of five ordinary people with extraordinary plans and the hearts to match. The Foundation strives to spread Canada's warm and welcoming East Coast culture and spirit through the Rockin' Big Give fundraiser in support of a different Newfoundland and Labrador charity each year. This one-of-a-kind Toronto kitchen party caters to an adult audience looking for a uniquely Canadian cultural celebration while contributing to a worthwhile cause.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Newfoundland Liberal leader fighting breast cancer leads a campaign for more screening
Yvonne Jones, Newfoundland and Labrador's Opposition leader, who is receiving treatment for breast cancer, is calling for the expansion of screening programs.
Jones is leading a national campaign that kicked off at a conference in Toronto this week.
The 42-year-old Liberal member from Labrador says more women over the age of 40 should have access to earlier breast cancer detection. The recommended threshold for screening has been age 50.
Jones wants her province to join the six others that have already committed to passing bills in support of expanded screening.
She says she has discussed the issue with Premier Danny Williams and is hopeful his government will see the urgency and the benefits of such action.
Igor Damage Tops $65 million
Property Claim Services Canada estimates Newfoundlanders have made insurance claims totalling more than $65 million for damaged cars, homes, businesses and other property in the wake of Hurricane Igor. And that doesn't include the damage caused by flooding, which isn't included in Canadian home insurance packages.
"The $65-million estimate in insured losses really drives home the incredible extent of the destruction to homes and property. It's devastating for those who have been affected," said Bill Adams, vice-president Atlantic for the Insurance Bureau of Canada. He said it may take extra time to process the claims due to the volume.
"Many insurance companies brought in extra staff, some from out of province, to start processing claims immediately and to answer questions 24 hours a day. They put adjusters on the road, and some even flew staff in by helicopter if the roads were washed out."
Dozens of communities were left isolated as the hurricane washed out roads and knocked out bridges. Many people were forced from flooded homes. Newfoundlanders seeking aid from the provincial Disaster Assistance Program are still waiting. Municipal Affairs Minister Kevin O'Brien said those claims would be processed sometime this month.
The Canadian Red Cross, meanwhile, is helping those whose costs won't be covered by government aid or insurance claims. They delivered another batch of building supplies to people with damaged homes Tuesday.
Do You Need Igor Assistance?
The Canadian Red Cross is looking for more candidates who need Igor assistance. The agency is concerned there are people who qualify for its Hurricane Igor assistance, but have not been in touch with them. The Red Cross is now putting volunteers on the road to identify more individuals and meet with them. They are already dealing with about 100 applicants through its toll-free number or e-mail, but indicate some who need help may not have access to those services or they may prefer a face-to-face meeting.
The Red Cross says senior volunteer Bob Tipple will be on the Bonavista Peninsula Wednesday at the Harbour Quarters Hotel, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., and at the Seaport Inn in Port Union from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Tipple will travel to Trouty and Random Island on Thursday.
Volunteer Des Dillon will be at the town office in Grand Bank Thursday afternoon, from 2:30 to 5:00 p.m., and at the Marystown Hotel that night, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
The Red Cross says it is focusing on seniors and low-income individuals or families whose homes were destroyed or damaged. Inquiries and applications can still be made Monday to Friday by calling the toll free number (1-855-758-0356) or by email at igor@redcross.ca.
The Red Cross says senior volunteer Bob Tipple will be on the Bonavista Peninsula Wednesday at the Harbour Quarters Hotel, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., and at the Seaport Inn in Port Union from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Tipple will travel to Trouty and Random Island on Thursday.
Volunteer Des Dillon will be at the town office in Grand Bank Thursday afternoon, from 2:30 to 5:00 p.m., and at the Marystown Hotel that night, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
The Red Cross says it is focusing on seniors and low-income individuals or families whose homes were destroyed or damaged. Inquiries and applications can still be made Monday to Friday by calling the toll free number (1-855-758-0356) or by email at igor@redcross.ca.
The Salvation Army Partners with Nutri-Lawn to “Restock The Shelves”
On October 28, 2010, Nutri-Lawn Newfoundland held its Annual “Re-Nourish” Food Drive in the city of St. John’s, “Restocking The Shelves” for The Salvation Army’s Community and Family Services Food Bank.
Major Donette Percy stated, “We wish to thank the employees of Nutri-Lawn for their tireless efforts to ensure that the shelves at The Salvation Army’s Community & Family Services Food Bank remain full. These donations of food go a long way in enabling The Salvation Army to continue the Community assistance that is so desperately needed in these days.”
Over a period of 20 hours, 11 Nutri-Lawn employees collected just over 2,000 pounds of food for The Salvation Army’s Community & Family Services Food Bank.
www.salvationarmy.ca
Major Donette Percy stated, “We wish to thank the employees of Nutri-Lawn for their tireless efforts to ensure that the shelves at The Salvation Army’s Community & Family Services Food Bank remain full. These donations of food go a long way in enabling The Salvation Army to continue the Community assistance that is so desperately needed in these days.”
Over a period of 20 hours, 11 Nutri-Lawn employees collected just over 2,000 pounds of food for The Salvation Army’s Community & Family Services Food Bank.
www.salvationarmy.ca
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Provincial Budget 2010: The Right Investments For Our Children and Our Future
In addition to the funding announced today, the Provincial Budget includes approximately $18 million to enhance cancer treatment and prevention throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.
This includes almost $8.6 million for the purchase of equipment used in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer; $5 million to continue implementing the recommendations of the Cameron Report; $3.2 million to cover the cost of 10 new drug therapies under the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program, including cancer drugs; $800,000 to continue funding the HPV immunization program for adolescent females; $317,000 for operational funding for a radiopharmacist and a program director to begin planning for the new Positron Emissions Tomography (PET) scanner at Eastern Health, and funding to announce an accredited stem cell transplant program; and, $240,000 for the initial implementation of a new Provincial Colorectal Cancer Screening Program.
Link to Press Release
This includes almost $8.6 million for the purchase of equipment used in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer; $5 million to continue implementing the recommendations of the Cameron Report; $3.2 million to cover the cost of 10 new drug therapies under the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program, including cancer drugs; $800,000 to continue funding the HPV immunization program for adolescent females; $317,000 for operational funding for a radiopharmacist and a program director to begin planning for the new Positron Emissions Tomography (PET) scanner at Eastern Health, and funding to announce an accredited stem cell transplant program; and, $240,000 for the initial implementation of a new Provincial Colorectal Cancer Screening Program.
Link to Press Release
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)