Description
A three-member panel was established to review a proposal from Bilcon of Nova Scotia Corporation for a basalt quarry at Whites Point, Digby County. Bob Fournier, Jill Grant and Gunter Muecke were appointed to the panel through an agreement
(PDF:388k) signed November 3, 2004 by federal Minister of the Environment Stéphane Dion and Nova Scotia Minister of Environment and Labour Kerry Morash.
On March 31, 2005, the panel released the final guidelines (PDF:516k) for the preparation of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The EIS Guidelines provided direction to the proponent, Bilcon of Nova Scotia Corporation, in preparing a statement of the anticipated effects of the project on the environment.
On October 23, 2007 the Ministers released a copy of the joint panel review as provided to them on October 22, 2007.
Minister’s Decision
On November 20, 2007, the Minister of Environment and Labour announced his decision following careful consideration of the Panel’s report. The Panel concluded that the project poses unacceptable risk to the environment and the community, and the Minister accepted their conclusion.Therefore, in accordance with the authority provided by Section 40 of the Environment Act, the Minister rejected the application to establish Whites Point Quarry and Marine Terminal.
The Panel also made several other recommendations which are included in their report. The Minister will be taking these under consideration and discussing them with his colleagues in other departments as appropriate.
Project Documents
Joint Panel Review Documents
- Minister's Decision (PDF:26k)
- Environmental Assessment Of The Whites Point Quarry And Marine Terminal Project: Joint Review Panel Report (PDF:4.1mb)
- Executive Summary: Environmental Assessment Of The Whites Point Quarry And Marine Terminal Project: Joint Review Panel Report (PDF:416k)
- News Release
- EIS Guidelines (PDF:516k)
- Agreement (PDF:388k)
- News Release - November 10, 2004