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In the
1950’s, the Department of National Defense abandoned
17 military radar sites across the northern portion of the
Mushkegowuk territory as they were deemed to be unnecessary
to Canadian government requirements. During this time, DND
advises that these sites were transferred to the province
of Ontario. These sites as they exist today pose numerous
environmental concerns to wildlife, vegetation and to our
people who utilize these lands for hunting and gathering purposes.
In
2001, the Fort Albany site (Anderson Island) was cleaned up
due to the close proximity of the contaminated site to the
present community of Fort Albany.
Over
the years, the federal and provincial governments have been
in jurisdictional squabbles as to who may be responsible for
the clean up of these sites. Finally in the past two years,
the Ontario government came forward with cabinet approval
to fund 50% of the clean up costs. The federal government
on the other hand is currently seeking Treasury Board approval
for their contribution to the clean up.
It
is unknown at this time as when the actual clean up will occur.
However, the following tentative schedule has been developed
once all approvals have been received:
Year 1 Site 060 (Foxville on the ONR line between Cochrane
and Moosonee)
Year 2 Site 500 (Winisk)
Year 3 Site 500 (Winisk)
Year 4 Site 415 (north of Lake River)
Year 5 Sites near Fort Severn
Year 6 Sites 070 and 050
A
Technical Advisory Committee was struck that would provide
direction to the Mid Canada Line project. Guiding principles
of the Technical Committee includes:
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to protect human health
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to protect the environment
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to ensure public health
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to ensure compliance with legal and policy requirements
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to express community concerns
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to outline realistic and cost effective options for site
clean up or mitigation of hazards
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to keep communities well informed
The
members of the Technical Advisory Committee include:
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MNR representatives
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MOE representatives
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Fort Severn, Peawanuck, Attawapiskat, Fort Albany, Kashechewan,
Taykwa Tagamou, Moose Cree, Mushkegowuk Council
Mushkegowuk
Council
P.O. Box 370, 12 Centre Road, Moose Factory, ON, P0L 1W0
Phone: 705-658-4222 • Fax: 705-658-4250 |
