Province pleased with Northern Pulp decision

The Prince Edward Island government is pleased that the Nova Scotia environment department will be undertaking a new assessment of the Northern Pulp effluent treatment plan.

Nova Scotia Environment Minister Gordon Wilson said he needs more science-based information on the proposal. The assessment could take up to two years to complete.

“We commend the Nova Scotia environment minister for asking for more science-based information and welcome the caution expressed on this decision.

"We are pleased that the Nova Scotia government has listened to the many concerns expressed by those who provided feedback on Northern Pulp’s most recent submission and encourage it to continue to listen to submissions from all parties, including those from Prince Edward Island.”

-  Premier Dennis King.

Premier King had requested a federal assessment on the proposed effluent treatment plan and said he still believes there should be a more comprehensive federal assessment given the shared nature of the resource. 

“There are still many unanswered questions about the short and long-term impacts on the Northumberland Strait ecosystem,” said Fisheries and Communities Minister Jamie Fox. “While we are disappointed there will not be a more comprehensive Level Two federal assessment, we are hopeful that the provincial assessment will address many of the outstanding issues associated with the Northern Pulp proposal.”  

Fishers and aquaculturalists, along with First Nations and environmentalists, have consistently opposed the project which would see millions of gallons of effluent discharged into the Northumberland Strait on a daily basis.

“We will continue to closely monitor this project until we are satisfied there will be no harmful impacts on the marine environment and on the livelihoods of those who depend on it,” said Minister Fox.

Media contact:
Amanda Hamel
Office of the Premier
(902) 368-4400

Wayne MacKinnon
Fisheries and Communities
(902) 314-3407
wemackinnon@gov.pe.ca