MV Miner salvage gets green light

Nova Scotia's Department of Labour has lifted the stop-work order on the removal of a derelict bulk carrier off Cape Breton's Scatarie Island.

Premier Darrell Dexter says the order was lifted after the New York-based salvager, Bennington Group, submitted safety plans that were approved by department officials.

He says the department is satisfied a plan is in place to keep workers safe at the site and that there are also contingencies to safely remove any worker who may be hurt during the salvage of the MV Miner.

Dexter says the provincial approval means work can resume at the site as soon as weather conditions permit.

The department says the first phase of the salvage will see the removal of all floatable material from the ship along with the dismantling of pipes, electrical wiring and cables. The salvage company will have to submit additional engineering plans before the dismantling of the vessel's hull can begin.

The retired Great Lakes bulk carrier ran aground more than a year ago as it was being towed to be scrapped in Turkey.