Environmental Assessment for White Rock Mine Extended

ENVIRONMENT/LABOUR--Environmental Assessment for White Rock Mine Extended

Nova Scotia's Environment Minister has called for more information on how a proposed mine could affect the Tobeatic Wilderness Area. David Morse says the new information is needed before an environmental assessment can be completed and a final decision made on the proposed White Rock Mine.

Black Bull Resources Inc. registered for an environmental assessment in October. The company is seeking approval to construct and operate a silica, kaolinite and mica mine at Flintstone Rock, Yarmouth Co.

Today's decision by Mr. Morse means the company will have to submit additional information in an addendum to its original registration for environmental assessment. When the new information is submitted, the minister will again have up to 25 days to make a decision. This period allows the public to review the addendum and original registration and to submit their comments on both.

The documents will be available to the public online at www.gov.ns.ca/enla/ess/ea and in hard copy at the Shelburne library, the Southwest Regional Development office and the Yarmouth regional office of the Department of Environment and Labour.

The minister is seeking information on the effects of dust, noise and water resource use and other possible effects in the Tobeatic Wilderness Area. He also has asked for more information on potential environmental effects of activities at the proposed port loading facilities.

There is no restriction on the time allowed for the company to submit the additional information.