Fish have started to return to the streams near the former tar ponds and coke ovens locations in Sydney, Nova Scotia. This development is seen as a positive outcome following the extensive cleanup of the industrial remnants left by the steel and coal industries in Cape Breton over the past century.
The $400 million rehabilitation project was carried out by the Sydney Tar Ponds Agency, which was later merged into Nova Scotia Lands and now falls under the oversight of Build Nova Scotia. This agency is responsible for monitoring the water quality in the streams that flow through the former industrial areas.
Donnie Burke, a senior director at the agency, highlighted that results from an independent engineering firm indicate that the remediation efforts have been effective. “Everything that we’re observing so far is either stable or showing improvement, which is very encouraging,” Burke mentioned during a recent inspection.
The former coke ovens site was covered with residue from the previous steel plant, while the notorious tar ponds, once considered the most hazardous waste site in Canada, were sealed with concrete. Additionally, Coke Ovens Brook, Wash Brook, and Muggah Creek underwent cleaning processes, and the surrounding areas were landscaped to redirect surface water into the streams. Groundwater from the coke ovens area is treated before being discharged back into the brooks.
Both sites were then capped with topsoil and grass. The former tar ponds have been transformed into Open Hearth Park, offering recreational facilities such as football and soccer fields, playgrounds, walking paths, and open spaces. The coke ovens site now serves as an open field used for activities like cricket, walking, and snowmobiling during winter.
Recent water testing has shown that the cap on the tar ponds is effectively containing toxins. Although the former coke ovens site occasionally registers spikes in heavy metals or industrial chemicals after heavy rainfall, the monitoring system promptly detects these fluctuations, leading to necessary adjustments in the water treatment process.
Burke noted that despite some minor irregularities, overall stability or improvement has been observed since the implementation of the protective covers. Water quality is regularly monitored in the brooks and beneath the former coke ovens cap through strategically located wells.
A recent study conducted by Cape Breton University revealed the return of a small fish species to the streams. Trout eggs and fry were recently spotted in Coke Ovens Brook, showcasing signs of ecological recovery. Dr. Katherine Jones, a biology professor at CBU, highlighted the improved health of mummichog fish in the tar ponds post-cleanup, as indicated by the disappearance of previous health issues.
More studies are required to ascertain the ongoing impact of the remediated sites on local fish populations. Burke emphasized the government’s commitment to monitoring the sites for 25 years post-cleanup, with regular updates available on Build Nova Scotia’s website. Monitoring activities have reached the halfway mark, with positive trends being observed.
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