MLA wonders about exit plan for barge company
Simpson expresses concern over environmental liabilities if company goes under
Paul Bickford
Northern News Services
Monday, July 4, 2016
HAY RIVER
Should the Northern Transportation Company (NTCL) go under, Hay River North MLA Rocky (R.J.) Simpson wants to know who would be responsible for remediation of lands it owns. He said there are serious concerns that the parcels of land will require extensive environmental remediation.
"There have been barges sitting idle in the river for years, and there are questions about their effect on the environment," said Simpson.
Simpson asked Municipal and Community Affairs Minister Robert C. McLeod who would be responsible for the cleanup of the lands and waterways, and how much land will revert back to the GNWT, the Town of Hay River or the feds if NTCL does go bankrupt.
"The company does own a large number of properties in Hay River," McLeod said.
If the town is responsible for remediation, the cost could be in the millions of dollars.
According to McLeod, environmental remediation is the owners' responsibility.
In regards to who would be responsible for cleaning up waterways and abandoned barges, McLeod responded that waterways would be a federal responsibility.
