The Future of Northern Pulp

A BATTLE OF OPINIONS

A Says

A number of federal government departments have poured cold water on Northern Pulp’s plan to extend the company’s operation in Pictou County. Independently, the departments have found the company’s plan to pump their waste products into the ocean falls short of reason, logic, history, and good sense.

Citing numerous deficiencies, the federal perspective must come as a dramatic shock. While Northern Pulp is the latest of a number of companies to ply their trade on the shore of Pictou County, it is the first to face the wrath of the local community, provincial, and federal governments.

The company’s belated plan to clean Boat Harbour and replace it with a new effluent system that would pump treated water out to sea has been soundly rebuked by federal officials.

The government response is damning to say the least, and the company is no doubt reeling. After all, government was complicit in the inconsistencies that allowed the plant to open in the first place. Over the years they relied on governments, both provincial and federal, to have their back, and so they did.

Perhaps, therefore, the company can be forgiven for providing inadequate answers to their plan for cleansing and continuing an operation that simply pollutes. Never before did the Abercrombie Point operation have to truly explain themselves. They always had the legislative support of politicians at all levels, federal, provincial, and municipal. Even Pictou Town Council was reluctant to raise a stink about the ever-present stink.

Things are different in 2019 and likely will be much different in 2020. Northern Pulp may actually be on its own to explain itself and to build a compelling case to keep the operation going.

Not only does the community seem opposed, but political will is evaporating as quickly as the company can make excuses.

Northern Pulp seems to have unwittingly, even blindly, come to the end of the gravy train.

The greater issue is what about the industry. The pulp mill is simply the tip of the iceberg, albeit the greatest offender. If they go down, what about the forestry sector that has fed the mill for its entire existence. Numerous contractors, truckers, and wood-lot owners enjoy a symbiotic relationship and have become dependent on the continuance of that mill.

If they take a second look they may see a greater reward in new uses for the wood and/or the wood fibre, uses that do not pound our environment and affect the lives of people in such a negative way.

Will it be an easy transition — no. But is it necessary — an unequivocal yes.

The time has come for all the partners and hangers-on in the pulp industry to hold the giant to a long overdue wake where they can commiserate and form a plan to move the forest industry into reality and a brighter future that embraces everyone, including those who profit from the enterprise and those who pay for living near it.

B Replies

Pictou County and surrounding community members continue to wait on the edge of their seats for answers as Northern Pulp plans to move ahead with new facilities to treat its waste water before releasing it via pipeline into the Northumberland Strait. 

This cornerstone business which first began operations in 1967 has become an integral cog in the paper product, forestry and transportation machine, all working closely together for several decades. 

Plans to move forward with the project came to a screeching halt when the provincial government claimed to need more time, deliberation and environmental data before making any decisions that could ultimately impact the environment, county, and neighbouring communities. 

Elected provincial officials have until December 17th to make their decision. Furthermore, should the provincial government allow plans to move forward, the federal government could still order their own environmental assessment delaying proceedings even further. 

The company’s employees and other close partnerships are no doubt apprehensive of what the potential outcome may be. With hundreds of full-time employees and working relationships with local forestry contractors and sawmills, Northern Pulp has generated thousands of employment opportunities province-wide and has contributed great wealth to the economy. 

More often than not, rural communities deteriorate when long term employment opportunities are scarce but this facility has created financial security and safe haven for those who crave quieter and more nature based surroundings. 

Many community members are concerned about the environmental impacts this new pipeline project could create and have placed signs on their properties in protest. A quick drive through neighbouring communities of the mill and you’ll notice dozens of signs with the slogan “No pulp waste in our water”. It is no secret that Boat Harbour is in definite need of restoration with new plans to clean up and manage pollution. Not an easy feat; however, Northern Pulp is optimistic and hopes they can try. 

Customers of this facility, both local and world-wide, demand products that are ethically sourced from environmentally friendly and responsible management which Northern Pulp proudly boasts. Customers otherwise, would take their business elsewhere. Northern’s products come from Nova Scotia’s largest tree nursery located in Debert where they manage hundreds of thousands of hectares of forest allowing the company to run a sustainable business. 

It is safe to say that Northern pulp is aware of the importance of maintaining a healthy, safe and clean environment while taking steps to ensure sustainability, new innovative ways to care for our water and to ensure the well-being of our communities. 

A proper waste water treatment facility is of utmost importance to maintain the job security for thousands of people, continued economic growth and to not further upset the sensitive balance needed to maintain the health of our eco water systems. 

The end goal, though it may be challenging, is to resolve, restore and renew.

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