Irving Whale: Ottawa Makes U-Turn

[the.greenbase@green2.greenpeace.org]

----------
Original-TO:      World Press (Green2:Green2:Gnl:INET)
Original-Cc:      The Greenbase (Green2:Green2:Gnl:Main)
----------
                   ************************
                   GREENPEACE PRESS RELEASE
                   ************************
 
             IRVING WHALE: OTTAWA MAKES U-TURN
          Greenpeace welcomes new developments
 
Montreal, February 13 1996 - The latest developments in the
Irving Whale case - last week's confirmation by the federal
government that it has hired two firms of independent
consultants and sent its new scientific report for review by
three external scientific experts - are being welcomed by
Greenpeace as a step in the right direction.  However, the
international environmental organisation remains concerned as
to the credibility of the experts in question, some of whom
have not yet been identified, as well as to the outcome of the
next steps in the case.  
 
According to Matthew Bramley, toxics campaigner and chemist at
Greenpeace Quebec, "the federal government finally seems to be
taking seriously the threat posed by the PCBs contained in the
Irving Whale.  Let's hope that the authorities are at last
focussing on finding the least-risk solution for the Gulf of
St. Lawrence and everyone who depends on it, which remains
Greenpeace's central priority on this issue."
 
The consultants Searle and Associates, of Virginia (U.S.A.)
have been hired to carry out a new technical study on the
removal of the Irving Whale.  The Herbert Engineering
Corporation, of San Francisco, has been asked to look into the
bending stresses that would occur if the wreck were to be
lifted.
 
Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Environment Canada have
submitted their new scientific report on the risks of a spill
of the PCBs from the Irving Whale for review by three external
scientists.  Greenpeace was able to confirm yesterday that
Emilien Pelletier, chemist and oceanographer at the National
Institue of Scientific Research at Rimouski, is one of the
three.
 
Dr Pelletier, who is publishing a book on the history of the
now-famous wreck next month, has consistently opposed the
government's plan to lift the wreck with its cargo still
inside.  Reached yesterday in British Columbia, he said that
he was under the impression that the authors of the report
were of the same opinion.
 
The identity of the other scientists remains a mystery. 
However, according to Greenpeace Quebec, it is essential that
their identity be made public.
 
Greenpeace also remains concerned about the financing of the
operations on the Irving Whale, which have already cost some
$12 million.  
"This is pollution caused by the Irving company, and no-one
else.  What is the federal government waiting for to make
these master-polluters pay the bill?  The government's lawyers
have been studying the case for months, but nothing is
happening," added Bramley.
 
                              -30-
                                
Contact: Matthew Bramley, Johanne Fillion, Greenpeace Quebec,
(514) 933 002
----------