NNSL (JAN 03/97) - The territorial Environmental Protection Service is proposing new guidelines for a revamped Environmental Protection Act.

Emery Paquin, director of the service, said that an additional five guidelines will concentrate more on what can be done to protect Northern ecosystems, rather than what shouldn't be done.

"We're trying to provide clear, consistent guidelines for general management of pollutants," he said. "We want to put it in writing what they can do so that they can plan to do it consistently."

"Were seeking compliance, not enforcement," he added.

This way, he said, users of such waste will know what's expected of them.

The five guidelines stipulate the specifics of proper storage, handling, transport and disposal of wastes. Hazardous substances include antifreeze, asbestos, batteries, paint and organic solvents.

The guidelines also offer suggestions on safe alternatives, waste reduction and recycling measures that help reduce the impact wastes have on the environment.

The guidelines address air quality, contaminated site remediation, dust suppression, ozone-depleting substances and hazardous waste management.

The information is geared toward both industries and home-owners.

The five new guidelines will be added to the six in the existing Environmental Protection Act, adopted in the early 1970s and amended in 1991.

The guidelines are the product of a 1994 program that identified these wastes and ways of handling them.

The Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development is inviting comments on the proposed guidelines from the public.

Anyone interested is asked to contact Don Helfrick, a hazardous waste specialist, before Feb. 14, 1997.