Nova Scotia’s Environment Department has provided details to Northern Pulp in order to determine whether the minister will approve the mill’s plans to restart.
The Refer to the draft terms of referenceThe terms are open to public comment until January 31, and the final terms won’t be released for more than 40 days. The mill owners must submit a report within the two-year period.
The report must provide detailed descriptions and justifications of each component of the plan. This includes the construction of an effluent treatment plant and a pipeline to Pictou Harbour, where the treated waste would be released.
It will describe the environmental effects and possible remedies.
Northern Pulp must also propose programs to monitor the environmental effects of construction, operation, and abandonment phases and a program to inform the public about the project.
The report must consider comments from the public, the federal and provincial governments as well as municipalities located in the vicinity. It should also consider any Indigenous peoples and communities that may be affected.
Northern Pulp Already submitted a 126-page description about its proposalThis additional report will provide more information and evidence.
The company tried to get approval two years ago for a different effluent plan. However, the final environmental report included dozens and thousands of pages.
The proposal was rejected and withdrawn earlier this year. However, some of the information from previous reports could be referenced in new one if they are still relevant.
Northern Pulp says that the mill could resume operation by 2026 if the province approves the plan.
The mill’s owners are suing the province for up to $450million in damages and lost profits following the legislated closing of its former effluent treatment plant at Boat Harbour. Last week,The company filed a lawsuit at the Nova Scotia Supreme Court.