May 24, 2019 – The federal government has committed $100 million to support the cleanup of Boat Harbour, Nova Scotia after Northern Pulp removes its effluent pipe from the water early next year.
The project aims to restore Boat Harbour back to its natural state by removing and containing contaminated soil and sediment, and improving portions of Highway 348 including the construction of a bridge to replace the current causeway to ensure the flow of water between the ocean and the harbour.
Northern Pulp has until the government-imposed deadline of January 2020 to remove its current pipeline, which passes near the Pictou Landing First Nation and into aerating lagoons at Boat Harbour.
The investment, made through the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan, will also support efforts to restore fish and bird habitat while protecting traditional recreation, fishing and hunting lands for local Mi’kmaq Peoples.
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The province of Nova Scotia has already committed more than $100 million toward the cost of the remediation project.
Northern Pulp is currently working on amending its plan to place a new drainage pipe into the waters of Northumberland Strait, which has been met with objection from the community and local fishers. Northern Pulp’s parent company, Paper Excellence, has stated that if the January 2020 deadline is not extended, the mill will be forced to close, eliminating over 300 direct jobs.
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