Gypsum mine expansion gets going over at meeting

By Christy Marsters

The Hants Journal/NovaNewsNow.com

The Avon Peninsula watershed being a potential location for gypsum mining expansion, and the impact on surrounding communities, was the subject of remarks and questions at a meeting at Belmont Hall Oct. 6.

The matter warranted the participation of three then federal election candidates -- including Liberal Scott Brison, New Democrat Carol Harris and Brendan MacNeill of the Green Party. Each of the candidates agreed a “panel review” under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act is needed to properly determine all effects of mining expansion to Hants County.

APWPS president Raymond Parker said “a panel review is the only way to identify, research, and assess the many impacts of this proposed mega-mine in our economically, environmentally and hydraulically sensitive watershed,” Parker added. “The quality of life and future viability of our agricultural community is at stake. The health and social-economic impacts need to be assessed.”

MacNeill said a review “should have taken place because of the scientific facts that were relayed before.”

He said, “we’re talking about losing the water in drinking wells… drinking water for humans should’ve trigger it.”

Brison acknowledged that the need for jobs and the environmental impacts should both be considered in the equation when looking at a mining expansion. “We have to be prepared as citizens to value both economic growth and environmental protection while finding a way that engages citizens and achieves a real solution representative of all stake holder. “My view on these things is, generally, you go through environmental review so all questions are answered and addressed at the time,” Brison said. “I will always support full, transparent and through environmental assessment of any project requiring federal involvement. And, on the bases of species at risk and on the bases of fish and fish habitat, there are a number of variables that could trigger a federal review.”

Harris would be interested to learn through a fair science what the health risks, if any, are in association with gypsum mining. She added, “I just want to point out too, science is not infallible and to ask a company to do the science on its own work... It’s a little dicey.”

Parker said Harris seemed to have a good feeling for the area as her people are from the original Miller Creek, which has now been taken over by the mine. “We were pleased with all the candidates who took time to attend our meeting…by participating in this debate on the local environment.”