Fish have started to repopulate the streams near the previous tar ponds and coke ovens locations in Sydney, Nova Scotia, indicating a positive outcome following the extensive cleanup of over a century’s worth of industrial activities in Cape Breton. The $400 million remediation project was overseen by the Sydney Tar Ponds Agency, which later merged with Nova Scotia Lands and now operates under Build Nova Scotia, the entity responsible for monitoring water quality in the streams that flow through the former industrial areas.
Donnie Burke, a senior director at the agency, expressed satisfaction with the findings of an independent engineering firm, stating that the remediation efforts have been effective. He emphasized that the current data shows stability or improvement in the environmental conditions, which is a promising development. The coke ovens area was restored by covering it with residual slag from the steel plant, while the tar ponds, previously considered the most hazardous waste site in Canada, were sealed in concrete.
In addition to cleaning up Coke Ovens Brook, Wash Brook, and Muggah Creek, the adjacent spaces were landscaped to direct surface water flow into the streams. Groundwater from the coke ovens land is routed through a treatment facility before being reintroduced into the streams. Both sites were then capped with topsoil and grass, transforming them into green spaces. The former tar ponds have been rebranded as Open Hearth Park, offering recreational facilities such as sports fields, playgrounds, and walking paths, while the coke ovens site now serves as an open field used for various activities like cricket, walking, and snowmobiling.
Burke mentioned that water testing has confirmed the integrity of the tar ponds cap, preventing the release of toxins. Although occasional spikes in heavy metals or industrial chemicals are observed at the coke ovens site after heavy rainfall, the monitoring system promptly detects these fluctuations, allowing for adjustments in the water treatment process as needed. Ongoing monitoring efforts include regular water testing in the streams and under the former coke ovens cap through strategically placed wells.
Recent research conducted by Cape Breton University revealed the return of a small fish species to the streams, with trout eggs and fry being observed in Coke Ovens Brook. Dr. Katherine Jones, a biologist at CBU, noted improvements in the health of mummichog fish living in the former tar ponds following the cleanup, as evidenced by the disappearance of previous health issues. She emphasized the need for further studies to assess the continued impact of the remediated sites on local fish populations, suggesting DNA testing to determine the origin of the current fish inhabitants.
The government’s commitment to monitoring the sites for 25 years post-cleanup is reflected in the regular publication of monitoring results on Build Nova Scotia’s website. Burke highlighted that midway through the monitoring period, the trends are positive, indicating ongoing improvement in the environmental conditions.