Alton Gas Storage Facility Receives First Environmental Approval

A proposal to construct an underground natural gas storage facility near Alton, Colchester Co. has moved one step forward in the approval process.

The project has successfully completed a class 1 environmental assessment under the Environment Act.

On July 31, Mark Parent, Minister of Environment and Labour, requested that the proponent provide more information to better evaluate the project's environmental effects. That supplemental information was supplied Nov. 23.

"I have reviewed the additional information that was submitted and have decided to approve the project subject to terms and conditions," said Mr. Parent.

Further approvals must be obtained before construction and operation of the storage facility.

The company must also address potential impacts on fish and fish habitat. An environmental protection plan will be developed.

The storage facility is expected to include a series of engineered salt caverns more than 700 metres deep. The caverns will be developed using water from the Shubenacadie Estuary, transported through about 12 kilometres of buried pipelines. Four initial caverns will be formed and more may be added later.

Consultations during the environmental review included other provincial government departments, the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans, First Nations representatives and the public.

For more information visit the Environment and Labour website at www.gov.ns.ca/enla/ea/AltonNaturalGasStorage.asp .