King ‘disappointed’ with federal response
Premier says provincial government will be ‘intervening’ in public consultation period
Premier Dennis King said he was pleased with the decision of the Nova Scotia government to call a focus report on the Northern Pulp effluent facility inadequate, but said he was disappointed with the federal government’s handling of the matter.
Federal Environment Minister Jonathan Wilkinson said on Monday his department would not be conducting a federal environment assessment of the proposed effluent pipe.
“I was surprised at the federal government’s response and quite disappointed,” King told The Guardian on Tuesday.
“This impacts Prince Edward Island as well. And that’s why I thought it was important for the federal government to come in and play a role.”
On Tuesday, Nova Scotia Environment Minister Gordon Wilson announced the province would be requiring Northern Pulp to submit more scientific information on how the proposed pipeline, which would pump millions of litres of treated effluent into the Northumberland Strait, would impact fish habitat and human health.
Owners of the Pictou-based mill will have up to two years to submit an environmental assessment report. A focus report submitted by Northern Pulp claimed the treated effluent would not harm fish species in the region.
King said he agreed with Wilson’s belief that more scientific information was needed. Submissions from several federal departments highlighted insufficient scientific data in the report. King said his government would be “intervening, to a certain degree” in the coming 30-day public comment period.
The premier made his comments during The Guardian’s year-end interview.
The full interview will be featured in The Guardian on Dec. 30.
In a written statement, P.E.I. First Nation leaders also expressed support for Wilson’s decision and dismay at the decision from the federal government.
“As stewards of the environment, we’re deeply concerned about the potential harm to the Northumberland Strait marine life this project could have created,” said L’nui Mnikuk First Nation Chief Darlene Bernard.
“The potential harm of the discharge into the Northumberland Strait could have devastating effects to both the cultural and economically significant fishing industry,” said Epekwitk First Nation Chief Junior Gould.