Northern Pulp Mill Upgrade and Effluent Discharge into Pictou Harbour

Official title: Mill Transformation and Effluent Treatment Facility

Closed Environmental Assessment Environment & Climate Natural Resources
Northern Pulp wants to upgrade its pulp mill at Abercrombie Point and build a new wastewater treatment facility. The treated effluent would be discharged into Pictou Harbour. The company submitted its project for environmental assessment in late 2021, and the province released final terms of reference in March 2022. The company has until March 2025 to submit its full environmental assessment report.

Why This Matters

Live near Pictou Harbour or fish in its waters? This project would discharge treated pulp mill wastewater into the estuary. The mill has been controversial for decades due to pollution concerns. This assessment will determine whether the upgraded facility meets environmental standards.

What Could Change

If approved, Northern Pulp could resume operations with upgraded technology and a new effluent treatment system discharging into Pictou Harbour. The Minister can approve with conditions, or reject the project entirely. Conditions might include monitoring requirements and discharge limits.

Key Issues

  • Should treated pulp mill effluent be discharged into Pictou Harbour estuary?
  • Will the proposed 'Best Available Technologies' adequately protect the environment?
  • What conditions should be placed on the project if approved?

How to Participate

  1. Review the Final Terms of Reference and Registration Document to understand the project scope.
  2. The public comment period on the Draft Terms of Reference has closed. Watch for future opportunities when the Environmental Assessment Report is submitted and referred to the EA Panel.

Key Documents