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Northern Pulp requests timely environmental assessment for effluent treatment facility

Paper Excellence Canada, the owners of Nova Scotia’s only pulp mill, Northern Pulp, is once again emphasizing its commitment to operating in the province in spite the mill’s forced shutdown in January.

In statement issued April 9, the company said it is committed to operating in “an environmentally sustainable manner and contributing to the much-needed economic benefits of a healthy and prosperous community and forestry sector.”

In order to do that, the company is asking Nova Scotia Environment to issue a timely, well-defined, and outcome-based environmental assessment process for its proposed effluent treatment facility (ETF) modernization.

“We want to continue to invest and operate in Nova Scotia and are committed to working closer with local governments and residents to coexist like the other 89 pulp and paper mills do in their communities across Canada,” says Graham Kissack, vice-president of environment, health and safety and communications for Paper Excellence Canada.

“A timely, well-defined, and outcome-based environmental assessment process is the first step.”

In January, shortly before the mill closure, Paper Excellence CEO Brian Baarda released a statement claiming to set the record straight on the company’s involvement with the provincial government since purchasing the mill in 2011.

In it, Baarda claims the Nova Scotia government had an undefined environmental assessment process and set unrealistic timelines for the company to receive approvals for its proposed effluent treatment plant.

Northern Pulp’s latest request includes an 18-24-month timeline, an expert independent panel for objective review, and specific environmental standards to be achieved.

Read the full statement with request details here.