Thermal desorption is a non-burn process which separates out the PCBs from the sediments in the form of an oil. The results were so successful that the consultants have advised that further testing is unnecessary at this stage. If thermal desorption is not viable, a secure containment berm should be considered but only as a last resort. Thermal desorption is technically viable but costs are still uncertain and the process has not yet been approved for use in Nova Scotia. If the sediments are removed from the lake either before thermal desorption is approved or before funding can be secured for transportation and destruction, there may be no option but to provide secure temporary storage for the contaminated sediments on site.
Time is of the essence.
The Committee pressed to have the clean-up of North Bay begin in 1997 in order to reduce the risk of negative environmental effects and to restore community confidence. Another year has gone by and significant progress has been made in implementing the strategy, but the contaminated sediments are still in North Bay. The Community Liaison Committee should continue to be involved. The Committee continues to meet and monitor developments. Three Recommendations For The Community To Consider.