News release

Keltic Petrochemical Proposal Approved With Conditions

Environment and Labour (Oct. 2000 - March 2008)

The minister of environment and labour has issued an environmental assessment approval to Keltic Petrochemicals Inc. for liquid natural gas and petrochemical facilities in Goldboro, Guysborough Co.

The decision is subject to several conditions that must be met before construction can begin. It requires the company to act on all 59 recommendations of the Environmental Assessment Board report, made Feb. 21, through environmental approvals or requirements of other agencies.

"This is a large, complex proposal with significant implications for the environment and the community," Environment and Labour Minister Mark Parent said today, March 14. "I support the approach taken by the assessment board and thank them for their work."

The decision is also subject to the project receiving approvals from the Utility and Review Board and the federal government.

A number of studies and reports identified by the assessment board must be completed before construction. Air quality management, water management, greenhouse gases, traffic impacts, and archeological surveys are among the areas to be studied.

One study will address the environmental sustainability of the project, including an examination of resource use and emissions from the petrochemical plant, co-generation facility, and LNG terminal.

Other issues that must be addressed include contamination from past mining, fisheries and the presence of wetlands.

More than 30 of the reports, studies, and plans were identified as requirements by the company itself in its Environmental Impact Report.

Copies of the decision can be downloaded from the department website at www.gov.ns.ca/enla or by telephoning 902-424-3230.

An environmental assessment is a decision-making tool used to promote sustainable development by evaluating the potential environmental effects of major developments before they proceed.

Projects receiving environmental assessment approvals must still obtain an industrial approval, which sets out in detail how these effects will be addressed.