Environmental Assessment Starts for Pictou Boat Harbor Remediation

The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency has started a federal environmental assessment (EA) for the Boat Harbor Remediation Project, located next to Pictou Landing First Nation, Nova Scotia.

The agency has invited public to comment on which aspects of the environment may be affected by this project and what should be examined during the environmental assessment, as detailed in the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Guidelines.

Comments received will be taken into consideration in finalizing the EIS Guidelines before issuing them to the proponent, Nova Scotia Lands Inc. This is the second of four opportunities for the public to comment on the environmental assessment of the project, said the agency in its release.

The EIS will describe the purpose of the project by providing the rationale for the project, explaining the background, the problems or opportunities that the project is intended to satisfy and the stated objectives from the perspective of the proponent. If the objectives of the project are related to broader private or public sector policies, plans or programs, this information will also be included, said the agency.

The EIS will identify and consider the environmental effects of alternative means of carrying out the project that are technically and economically feasible.

In its alternative means analysis, the proponent will address, at a minimum, the following project components:

• remediation and disposal options for hazardous waste (solid and liquid);
• dredging methods;
• access to the project site;
• location of key project components;
• energy sources to power the project site;
• management of water supply and waste water;
• water management.

According to the agency’s official announcement, written comments must be submitted by May 10, 2019.