Maritime Link project gets N.S. environmental approval

The Nova Scotia government has granted environmental approval for the Maritime Link project.

• SPECIAL REPORT | Maritime Link

Environment Minister Sterling Belliveau made the announcement Friday, sayingthe proposed subsea electricity cable linking Nova Scotia and Newfoundland poses little risk to wildlife and vegetation.

Still, he says the project will be subject to many conditions, such as establishing a fisheries advisory committee.

Meanwhile, the Newfoundland and Labrador government has also granted environmental approval to the projectand the subsea link between Labrador and Newfoundland.

The 180-kilometre subsea linkis estimated to cost $1.5-billion

The province is still waiting for the decision of the Utility and Review Board to ensure the Maritime Link project is the lowest-cost option for Nova Scotians. It will announce a decision in late July, the province stated in a news release.