Project Update
The Minister has authorized an extension until May 21, 2023, to condition 4.1 in the Environmental Assessment Approval. The nature of the project has not changed and all the terms and conditions of the approval continue to apply to protect the environment. This extension will allow additional time for continued consultation on this project.
Description
On March 1, 2013, Alton Natural Gas Storage LP submitted the Focus Report for environmental assessment, in accordance with Part IV of the Environment Act.
Alton Natural Gas Storage LP is developing an underground natural gas storage facility near Alton, Nova Scotia to meet the growing demand for natural gas in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the Northeastern United States. The storage facility received Environmental Assessment Approval from the Nova Scotia Minister of Environment in December 2007.
The purpose of the proposed undertaking is to construct and operate a natural gas pipeline to connect the storage facility to the existing Maritimes and Northeast Pipeline Halifax Lateral approximately 10.8 km away. The in-service date for the pipeline is planned for 2014/2015.
Under the Environmental Assessment Regulations, an onshore pipeline that is 5 km or longer that carries natural gas with an operating pressure 3450 kPa (500 psig), or above, is defined as a Class I undertaking.
Minister's Decision
On May 21, 2013, the Minister of Environment released a decision
(PDF:32k) concerning this review. The Minister decided to approve the undertaking in accordance with Section 18(a) of the Environmental Assessment Regulations, pursuant to Part IV of the Environment Act. The undertaking has been approved subject to a number of conditions (PDF:87k).
Project Documents
- Minister's Decision (PDF:32k)
- Conditions of Release (PDF:87k)
- Public Notice (PDF:49k)
Focus Report
- Focus Report (PDF:7.6mb)
- Terms of Reference (PDF:40k)
- Public Notice (PDF:306k)
Registration Document
- Section 1 to 4 (PDF:7.6mb)
- Section 5 part 1 (PDF:9.4mb)
- Section 5 part 2 (PDF:9.1mb)
- Section 5 part 3 (PDF:3.3mb)
- Section 6 to 9 (PDF:4.9mb)
- Appendix A to C (PDF:2.6mb)
- Appendix D (PDF:9.1mb)
- Appendix E to F (PDF:7.4mb)
Opportunities for Public Input
Public comments on the Focus Report were accepted until April 12, 2013.
Comments received, including any personal information, will be made available to the public from the Department of Environment and Climate Change library, 5th floor, Halifax Office (5151 Terminal Rd.).