‘The situation is deteriorating’
Lack of movement on Hantsport aboiteau file results in request to DFO for information
West Hants council wants the Hantsport aboiteau situation addressed sooner rather than later, and in an effort to see that happen, they’re on a quest for answers.
Warden Abraham Zebian said there has been much finger pointing and confusion surrounding what entities are responsible for repairing the failed aboiteau and what actually needs to be done.
“We keep hearing so much that ‘it’s their responsibility’, that ‘it’s their responsibility’... I don’t think anybody knows who is responsible for this thing anymore or what actually needs to be done,” said Zebian at West Hants’ last council meeting of 2018.
“I’d like to have a little bit more clarity on what needs to be done because the situation is deteriorating. I want some answers.”
In an effort to find out what is required to fix the site, Zebian asked council to consider having staff draft a letter to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, requesting a response by Feb. 15, 2019.
The Hantsport aboiteau, which was a dyke sluice gate that restricted tidal flow at the mouth of the Halfway River, failed in the fall of 2017. Since that time, there has been free tidal flow coming into the Halfway River, flooding once fertile farmer’s fields with saltwater and eroding the riverbanks. This saltwater influx has caused some freshwater wells in the area to become unusable and the erosion to riverbanks is a cause of concern as the lack of stability puts some properties, including a graveyard, at risk.
In an interview following council, Zebian said they’ve been hearing rumours in the community that the area may be opened up for free tidal flow. He put forward the motion to contact DFO in order to get the facts.
“The latest talk that we’re hearing is DFO wants free flow but there’s no written confirmation that DFO wants free flow, so we’re going to request what their requirements are. What are they looking for? We want to know what needs to be done to fix the aboiteau and protect all stakeholders involved,” he said.
“That’s the first step. I just want some clarification instead of everybody pointing fingers at who is responsible for this thing.”