Permit for Nova Scotia pulp mill tightens emissions, effluent over 5 years

HALIFAX – The Nova Scotia government has granted a renewed industrial permit to a pulp mill that has come under fire for exceeding pollution limits.

Environment Minister Randy Delorey says the new permit responds to concerns raised by residents of Pictou County, some of whom have complained for years about the Northern Pulp mill.

Delorey says the five-year permit includes tighter limits on air emissions, wastewater effluent and water usage.

The permit says the mill must reduce particulate emissions to about five times lower than levels set in the previous permit.

As well, the Environment Department says daily limits will be placed on water usage and wastewater effluent.

Delorey says the changes will be phased in over five years.