Grain Elevator Corporation granted environmental assessment

The P.E.I. Grain Elevator Corporation has received approval for its environmental assessment application, clearing the way for a major expansion. The province announced late last week that the Crown corporation was informed on June 22 regarding its approval. There was a caveat however, as the province stipulated that any future noise, light or air quality concerns from neighbouring property owners be addressed. “I’m satisfied that this is a project with real economic benefits and that any environmental concerns that arise can be addressed by the corporation,” said Environment Minister Richard Brown. The present grain elevators were constructed in 1969 and do not provide adequate storage capacity. The proposed expansion includes the construction of dryer units, high capacity holding tanks, loadout tanks and an office with electrical and mechanical areas. A field currently used for crops, located next to the existing grain elevator, has been earmarked for the new expansion. The current grain and oil seed storage tanks are expected to continue to operate in conjunction with the proposed new tanks. According to the province, the Grain Elevator Corporation shipped 16,000 tonnes of grain and oilseed to storage in Halifax in 2017. The increased capacity will allow that product to be stored here in the future.