NORTHERN REGIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT STUDY

New North, the Saskatchewan Association of Northern Communities, is receiving a grant of $50,000 to study the feasibility of regional waste management in the northern part of the province.

"There are unique challenges involved with waste management in the north," Environment Minister Nancy Heppner said. "This study will help to identify opportunities to improve landfill management in the north through regional waste management systems.

"With the current economic momentum in Saskatchewan, our northern communities will continue to grow. It's important these areas benefit through initiatives like ensuring safety around landfills and looking at other issues facing these communities."

Since May 2007, a committee composed of representatives of New North and the Ministries of Environment and Municipal Affairs has been meeting to develop recommendations for addressing landfill, water and wastewater issues in the Northern Administration District. The feasibility study will assess the options for communities to work together in managing waste and sharing resources regionally.

"The coroner's jury that looked into the tragic death of Kenton Carnegie in Points North Landing in November 2005 recommended that the provincial government improve the regulation of landfills in northern Saskatchewan," Heppner said. "The funding we are providing for this feasibility study demonstrates this government's commitment to improving landfill management."

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For more information, contact:

Art Jones
Environment
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5796
Cell: 306-536-8452