Online tool increases transparency about contaminated sites

FREDERICTON (GNB) - People can now access information about contaminated sites around the province, free of charge, through a new online map viewer.

"This tool provides transparency and shows the status of contaminated sites across the province," said Environment and Climate Change Minister Gilles LePage. "It gives the public critical information they need to identify potential environmental concerns and make informed planning and development decisions."

The map shows all contaminated site files initiated since the late 1980s. These range from minor incidents, such as motor vehicle spills, to major incidents involving significant releases, multiple contaminants and impacts on neighbouring properties.

All new files opened as of Aug. 1, 2024, must comply with the government's new Contaminated Sites Regulation.

The map viewer was developed in response to the auditor general's November 2022 report on the contaminated sites program. The report had 15 recommendations, including a call for greater public access to contaminated site information. All recommendations have now been addressed.