Premier McNeil will release decision Friday

HALIFAX, N.S. — Premier Stephen McNeil on Wednesday said he needs more time to make a crucial decision on the Boat Harbour and Northern Pulp issue.

“The regulator has given the company the opportunity to file an environmental assessment report, which could take up to two years,” McNeil said in a statement released Wednesday morning. “Our government now faces a very difficult decision — whether to give the company an extension to allow it to do the work necessary to prove it can operate in an environmentally sound manner, or let the Boat Harbour deadline stand, effectively shutting down the mill.

“Because this is one of the most difficult decisions our government has had to make to date, we need to take more time to reflect. At the same time, I understand how difficult this is for many Nova Scotians for many different reasons and I will make a decision public on Friday.”

The regulator the premier referred to is Environment Minister Gordon Wilson, who on Tuesday withheld approval of Northern Pulp’s focus report in support of its proposed effluent treatment facility that would discharge treated effluent into the Northumberland Strait.

“I've concluded that I need more science-based evidence, more information before me to properly assess the potential risk to air, water, fish and human health,” Wilson said Tuesday. “As a result, I've decided that Northern Pulp must file an environmental assessment report if they want to continue with this project."

The company said Tuesday that an extension of the Boat Harbour Act is required to keep the mill running. The existing government-owned Boat Harbour effluent treatment plant has been in operation since the mill opened in 1967 but it is legislated to close on Jan. 31, 2020, predicated on an agreement reached between the provincial Liberal government and Pictou Landing First Nation more than five years ago.