2 Northern Pulp appeals denied, 1 extended by Randy Delorey

Nova Scotia's environment minister has denied two appeals challenging the industrial approval of the Northern Pulp mill in Pictou County.

An appeal from the group Clean Pictou Air said the Abercrombie Point mill's industrial approval did not address the department's need to protect the health and wellness of citizens and businesses.

The group wanted more monitoring of the area's ambient air quality and emissions from the mill.

Environment Minister Randy Delorey found the current two air monitoring stations are enough to comply with industry standards.

The other denied appeal came from the Pictou Landing First Nation. They said there was insufficient consultation with the aboriginal community.

Delorey said "meaningful consultation" with First Nations people happened before the approval was issued, adding representatives of the Pictou Landing First Nation were able to voice their concerns and request changes to the draft industrial approval through meetings and written correspondence.

"Ultimately, we all want a clean operating mill and a prosperous Pictou County," Delorey said in a statement.

Late Monday afternoon, Northern Pulp came out in full support of the minister's decision to extend the appeal deadline.

In a release, the corporation's general manager said the company consented to the extension to allow the minister "to consider a number of other matters, including Boat Harbour legislation, that have arisen since the appeal was registered, which now need to be taken into account."

A third appeal, this one from the mill appealing many of the conditions of its operating permit, won't be decided on for another month. The minister agreed to extend the review period on the Northern Pulp appeal for up to another 30 days.