[metaslider id=105004]
Another step is being taken in connection with the provincial government’s order to clean up the coal tar contamination at Belleville’s harbourfront.
The owners and former owners have submitted a cleanup plan as ordered by the Ministry of Environment but now the city is appealing who pays for what.
The Independent Environmental Review Tribunal opened its preliminary hearing at the Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre today.
Belleville’s lawyer Harry Dahme says, for the city, the issue is the allocation of the costs and that owners Hawkins and Speigel acquired the coal tar presence when they bought their lands.
Meanwhile adjacent homeowner Richard Sommerville is concerned about the contamination.
Tribunal hearing officer Justin Duncan called a break to allow the lawyers of the various owners and former owners to discuss a next step for mediation.
Duncan ruled the appeal issue would go to mediation March 23 and a further teleconferencing session with the Tribunal would be held later in the spring.
The provincial order includes Belleville, 105 Pinnacle Limited, Kent D. Hawkins, Darlene Hawkins, Anthony J. McGarvey, 835267 Ontario Inc. Naomi Speigel and Sidney Speigel.
