The cart before the environmental horse

I see that Northern Harvest Ltd. has registered its proposal for a salmon hatchery in Stephenville, as required by law.

The public has until Dec.  22 to comment and  Environment Minister Charlene Johnson will make a decision about how to proceed on Dec 30.

After speaking to people in Stephenville recently, I am left wondering  why Northern Harvest even bothered to register this proposal. They have been proceeding with construction all along as though they already have all the necessary permits.

Indeed,  there was even a picture in the Nov. 9 Western Star newspaper of this construction, under the heading, “Construction proceeding briskly.” This was at least six weeks before Northern Harvest could have received any government permits to proceed with any construction, as Dec. 30 is still two weeks away.

How is it that a large company like this can proceed without any government approval? How can Minister Johnson turn a blind eye to such construction? Some might suggest that government officials are simply asleep at the wheel and didn’t notice it. But I suggest not.

We have some of the strongest environmental protection legislation in Canada, but our provincial government has chosen to ignore it again. If this was you or I proceeding without permits, what do you think would happen?

So, Minister Johnson, would you at least please tell the general public now what other environmental protection legislation your government is choosing to ignore, so we can see what other laws you are above?

And  another problem I have with this salmon proposal is what is going to happen to the young salmon after they are hatched?

Northern Harvest Ltd. plans to truck them to its aquaculture operation on the south coast for grow-out.

The problem with this is these aquaculture operations don’t appear to be up to scratch.

Almost two years ago, our own auditor general listed a whole series of deficiencies with our south coast aquaculture operations from waste water ( very critical here ) to containment and inspection problems.  And who was supposed to ensure that these deficiencies were rectified? Our own provincial government again, this time the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture. I have not heard anything from Minister Clyde Jackman about any progress here — have you? — and it has been two years. Just how can a responsible government department choose to ignore a litany of deficiencies like this when it comes from one of their own — our own auditor general?

If all this wasn’t so serious, it would be funny. And where is the official opposition in all of this?

Now that Danny Williams has left, it’s time for those ministers in charge to step out from behind his shadow and give some assurances to those of us who care about our environment that they care, too.

I just wonder how long I’ll have to wait.

Rick Maddigan

St. John’s