Pollutant footprint a huge concern

To the editor,

Re: Information included in the article “Gap time common in assessments: MP,” The News, April 12.

One paragraph in the article reads: “According to the company’s plan, waste would be treated at a new facility near the mill using a system that would meet all federal environmental standards for suspended solids and oxygen depletion. The effluent would be carried by polyethylene pipe across Pictou Harbour and released through six dispersal pipes into the strait.”

This still means the pulp waste is dispersed through six pipes into the Northumberland Strait, affecting water near Pictou, Northumberland Strait/Atlantic Ocean, our marine life, important centuries-old fishing industry and of course the Nova Scotia tourism industry on a long-term basis. This is unfortunate for the generations of Nova Scotians and Prince Edward Islanders who follow in our footsteps. Is this going to leave a huge pollutant footprint for these generations? That is my concern and should be everyone’s concern!

While I do appreciate Northern Pulp’s jobs creation, pulp and paper mills are the worst pollutant-causing businesses on earth, so while many countries such as China, the U.S. and others are prime pollutant causers, my question is why are we sitting back while companies such as pulp and paper mills do this to Canada?

The Boat Harbour area is a prime example of why we should be truthfully concerned! The Town of Pictou will bear the negative impact of the effluent, as will our vital fishing and tourism industries which greatly augment Pictou with much-needed income!

Victoria Ellen Courtemanche-Oliver Pictou