Fish populations are making a comeback in the streams near the former tar ponds and coke ovens sites in Sydney, N.S., marking a positive development post the extensive cleanup of the steel and coal industries in Cape Breton over a century. The $400 million remediation project was spearheaded by the Sydney Tar Ponds Agency, later absorbed into Nova Scotia Lands and now under the jurisdiction of Build Nova Scotia, responsible for overseeing water quality in the streams flowing through the former industrial areas. Donnie Burke, a senior director at the agency, highlighted that an independent engineering firm’s findings indicate the effectiveness of the remediation efforts. “The current observations show stability or improvement, which is highly encouraging,” he mentioned during a recent assessment.
Following the cleanup, the coke ovens site was capped with leftover slag rock from the steel plant, while the tar ponds, previously labeled as Canada’s most hazardous waste site, were encapsulated in concrete. Coke Ovens Brook, Wash Brook, and Muggah Creek underwent purification, and the surrounding grounds were landscaped to channel surface water into the streams. Additionally, groundwater from the coke ovens area is routed to a treatment facility before being reintroduced into the streams. Both locations were subsequently covered with topsoil and grass.
The former tar ponds have been transformed into Open Hearth Park, offering amenities like sports fields, playgrounds, walking paths, and open spaces. Conversely, the coke ovens site has become an open field utilized for activities such as cricket, walking, and snowmobiling during winter. Water tests indicate that the tar ponds cap is not releasing any harmful substances. Although occasional spikes in heavy metals or industrial chemicals occur at the coke ovens site after heavy rainfall, the monitoring system promptly detects and adjusts the water treatment process accordingly, as stated by Burke.
Ongoing water testing in the streams and beneath the former coke ovens cap through strategically placed wells revealed the return of a small fish species, with trout eggs and fry recently observed in Coke Ovens Brook by provincial staff. Dr. Katherine Jones, a biologist at CBU, discovered improvements in the health of mummichog fish residing in the tar ponds post-cleanup. She explained that a pilot study conducted by student Hannah MacKinnon showcased the disappearance of previous symptoms in the fish. Jones emphasized the overall enhancement in the fish’s health status compared to pre-remediation conditions.
Jones highlighted the need for further studies to determine the ongoing impact of the remediated industrial sites on local fish populations. She expressed interest in conducting DNA tests to ascertain whether the current fish are descendants of previous inhabitants or have migrated from other areas. Burke affirmed the government’s commitment to monitoring the sites for 25 years post-cleanup, with regular updates available on Build Nova Scotia’s website. Approximately halfway through the monitoring period, Burke noted that all indicators are showing positive trends.
In conclusion, the successful rehabilitation efforts in Sydney have led to the rejuvenation of fish populations in the area, demonstrating a significant environmental turnaround.