IMWA 2010 offers you one out of five mid conference field trips to locations on Cape Breton Island highlighting the mine water issues of the Island as well as the geological history and the Tar Ponds Remediation Project. Each of the field trips introduces you to one of the many unique features the mining and the geological history of the Island offers.
Mid-Conference Excursion 1 – Surface Remediation
In addition to the mine water problems that the Island is facing, there are surface facilities that have been used by the mining companies and need remediation. Furthermore, waste rock piles and coal residues from wash plants had to be converted to an environmentally sound condition. This field trip will show you how those problems have been managed by the owners of the former mining operations.
Mid-Conference Excursion 2 – Mine Water Treatment
Though we won’t have the opportunity to go underground anymore, because all the mine adits are closed, this mid conference field trip will show you how one of the most prominent mine water discharges is dealt with.
Mid-Conference Excursion 3 – Geology Tour
Cape Breton Island has a fascinating geological setting, and the rock’s ages range from the Palaeozoic to Neozoic times. Numerous abandoned mines give proof of the rich economic history of the Island. Granite, shale, sandstone, limestone and till makes up the landscape that you will visit. Prof Isenor is an expert on Cape Breton Geology and he has more than 40 years experience in the abandoned coal and metal mines.
Mid-Conference Excursion 4 – Mine Water Outfalls
Within the Sydney Coal Field there are 26 mine water outfalls. Their mine water quality ranges from “no problem” to “heavily polluting”. This tour will show you a selection of those sites.
Mid-Conference Excursion 5 – Sydney Tar Ponds (restricted to 30 delegates)
The Sydney Tar Ponds and Coke Ovens cleanup project started in the 1980s and is easily the most prominent remediation project in Canada today.
Mid-Conference Excursion 6 – The no-field-trip field trip
Didn’t we say we only have 5 field trips? Well, should you decide not to participate in one of the above field trips, but just take a day off (without letting your boss know 
), this would be your selection on the registration form!
