The federal decision was expected later this week, but instead came a day before the deadline for Nova Scotia Environment Minister Gordon Wilson to release his own decision on the proposal.
Wilkinson said a full federal impact assessment is designed for the largest and most complex projects, and that pulp and paper mills haven’t normally undergone those kinds of assessments.
“We will continue to engage with expert federal departments, the province, as well as Pictou Landing First Nation and the local community to ensure that an evidence-based approach is taken that protects marine life, local residents and the environment,” said Wilkinson.
He said a number of “outstanding questions and information gaps” in the proposal regarding the impact of effluent will be answered through the provincial environmental assessment.
Wilkinson noted concerns that have been raised on the potential for adverse impacts from the project on marine life, including a number of questions raised by five federal departments.
Source: Ottawa won’t assess N.S. mill’s pipeline proposal, leaving it up to the province | Estevan Mercury