A community organization in Newfoundland’s Burin Peninsula is urging the local government to address an old landfill near a renowned fossil site. The Fortune Head Ecological Reserve, located close to the town of Fortune, highlights the Cambrian Explosion dating back 540 million years, showcasing the rapid evolution of organisms. Along the cliffs, trace fossils provide a glimpse into ancient life forms.
Despite the scientific significance of the area, an old landfill previously used by the town is visible from the fossil site. Concerned about environmental impacts, Carl Slaney, a former board member of the volunteer group Fortune Head Eco Friends Incorporated, expressed dismay over the deteriorating condition of the landfill. Erosion is causing old waste to resurface and fall into the ocean, tarnishing the natural beauty of the reserve.
The ecological reserve was established to safeguard the coastal region, but the presence of the landfill is undermining conservation efforts and hindering tourism promotion on the Burin Peninsula. Shauna Brennan, the chair of the volunteer group, emphasized the educational value of the fossil site, where visitors can observe trace fossils in the rocks. However, the proximity of the landfill detracts from the overall visitor experience and contradicts the reserve’s mission.
Brennan stressed the need for the landfill’s cleanup to enhance the reserve’s appeal to tourists. Efforts to address the issue have been explored by various groups, but ultimate responsibility lies with the provincial government. An assessment commissioned by the Department of Environment and Climate Change proposed two options for remediation: a complete cleanup costing approximately $10.9 million or a partial extraction at $3 million. Slaney emphasized the moral imperative to address the landfill issue, highlighting the importance of environmental stewardship.
CBC News sought a response from Environment Minister Chris Tibbs, who, through spokesperson Sherri Breen, acknowledged the waste management concerns but stopped short of committing to specific actions in Fortune. The community remains hopeful for a resolution to ensure the preservation and sustainability of the Fortune Head Ecological Reserve.