Draft Agreement Released for Public Comment

A draft agreement on the joint environmental assessment review panel process for the proposed Whites Point Quarry and Marine Terminal, in Digby County, has been released for public comment. Environment and Labour Minister Ron Russell and federal Environment Minister David Anderson announced the public process today, Aug. 11.

The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency and the Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Labour welcome written comments on this agreement. Comments in either official language must be received no later than Sept. 18, 2003. After taking public comments into consideration, the draft agreement will be finalized and made public.

The decision to conduct a panel-level environmental assessment follows a request from the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans pursuant to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. This project is also subject to the Nova Scotia Environment Act.

"Public consultation is an important element in any major industrial project, especially one that could impact an important coastal area such as Digby Neck," said Mr. Russell. "We believe the panel is the right approach for this project and we're pleased to be working together with our federal partners to conduct this process."

"In deciding to refer this project to a review panel," said Mr. Anderson, "I believe that a public process will help Nova Scotians better understand the potential impacts of this project. Public discussion and debate are crucial elements in the review process."

The proposal, submitted by Global Quarry Products Inc., is for property located at Whites Point, Digby Co., and consists of a 120-hectare basalt quarry and associated deep water marine terminal. Expected production is two million tonnes of aggregate per year.

A copy of the draft agreement can be found on the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency's Web site at www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca . The draft document can also be viewed at the following centres:

Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency 1801 Hollis St., Suite 200 Halifax, NS

Nova Scotia Environment and Labour 5151 Terminal Rd., 5th floor Halifax, NS

Nova Scotia Environment and Labour Yarmouth District Office 13 First St. Yarmouth, NS

Annapolis Royal Branch Library Town Hall 285 St. George St. Annapolis Royal, NS

Isaiah W. Wilson Memorial Library 84 Warwick St. Digby, NS

Written comments on the proposal should be directed to:
Steve Chapman Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency 200 Sacré-Coeur Boulevard, 13th Floor Gatineau, QC K1A 0H3

Chris Daly Nova Scotia Environment and Labour 5151 Terminal Rd., 5th Floor PO Box 697 Halifax, NS B3J 2T8

To register as an interested party and be kept informed of the panel's activities, provide a full mailing address, an e-mail address and/or a fax number to either of the above contacts.