Decision made on appeal of Nova Scotia pulp mill’s water use

HALIFAX – The operator of a Pictou County pulp mill has withdrawn its appeal of an industrial permit approved by the provincial government following decisions by the environment minister to resolve some of the outstanding issues.

The province issued a new five-year industrial approval for Northern Pulp’s mill in January 2015, introducing tighter restrictions on emissions, wastewater effluent and water consumption.

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

The mill’s general manager, Bruce Chapman, said at the time the permit was not acceptable, vague and could place the long-term viability of the facility in jeopardy.

In a news release Monday, the government says Environment Minister Margaret Miller has now resolved outstanding issues on the mill’s water use, including a maximum daily average consumption rate.

That release was followed by a statement from the company confirming it has notified the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia of its withdrawal of the appeal of its permit.

The company must report results on reduced sulphur levels in wastewater to the department by June 30 every year, and submit proposed capital water reduction projects for review a year before their proposed implementation.