Newfoundland and Labrador appeal AbitibiBowater environmental warning

The province of Newfoundland and Labrador is appealing the recent ruling by Quebec Justice Clement Gascon, who ruled in favour of AbitibiBowater when the province asked for the company to clean up its environmental mess.

On May 12 the province will have its appeal heard by the court.

Five areas are at issue - Grand Falls-Windsor, Stephenville, Botwood, Buchans, and logging camps.

Another issue concerning the clean up is on going in Grand Falls-Windsor. AbitibiBowater hired contractors to clean up the environmental problems at the Grand Falls-Windsor site, but these workers have not been paid by the company. The province has said they have no obligation to pay the contractors, yet they are paying for the clean up of the Buchans site.

Charlene Johnson, Minister for Environment and Conservation, said the Buchans environmental remedial work is being carried out with safety as the main driving factor. Nine million dollars was committed in the province's budget for the Buchans clean up.

Premier Danny Williams feels that Justice Clement Gascon made serious errors in his original judgment and he believes the judge has the "single-minded" intent of saving AbitibiBowater.

Source:

Province appeals cleanup ruling - Quebec court rules in favour of paper company