Lands Branch
Marwell Tar Pit Remediation Project
The Marwell Tarpit was created after WW2. It was officially designated a Yukon contaminated site, by the Yukon Minister of Environment, in 1998. The area has been fenced and has remained contained mostly within the pit. In 2010, the Government of Canada and Yukon Government agreed to jointly fund the remediation of the Marwell Tar Pit. Yukon Government is managing the project and is responsible for achieving the three Phases of the project.
Phase 1: This phase is complete; Preliminary Activities included consolidating existing information, completing additional environmental site assessments, risk assessment and determining remedial options.
Phase 2: Remedial Activities are underway. The Remediation Plan and Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment (YESAA) are complete. The regulatory required permits and authorizations will be issued before construction work begins.
“Site Cleanup,” is expected to begin in 2017 and will include soil evacuation and treatment of the contaminated soils.
Phase 3: Post remedial Activities will include environmental site monitoring to demonstrate that remediation work has met the site specific (regulatory)standards.
Ta’an Kwäch’än Council Lands Resources and Heritage Department staff have participated in activities during phase 1 and 2. Citizens have worked on site, assisting in environmental site assessment work, soil and water sampling, and brushing activities.
For more information on this exciting project, please visit the following websites:
Yukon Government – Environment Yukon – Site Assessment and Remediation
Overview by Rick Seaman – Project Manager – Marwell Tar Pit Project
CBC Interview with Rick Seaman
YESAB Online Registry – YOR Project #2015-0056 Restoration of the Marwell Tarpit
If you have any questions or comments, please contact:
Shawana Williams – Environmental Assessment Technician – TKC Lands, Resources and Heritage Department
Phone: (867) 668-3613 ext. 610, email: swilliams@taan.ca
Rick Seaman – Project Manager – Yukon Government Site Assessment and Remediation Unit
Phone: (867) 667-8271, email: rick.seaman@gov.yk.ca