Eleven forest industry stakeholders are asking a judge to overturn Environment Minister Gordon Wilson’s ruling on Northern Pulp’s focus report for its proposed effluent treatment facility.
A request for a judicial review was filed Thursday with the Nova Scotia Supreme Court by Northern Pulp, Unifor Local 440 and a collection of woodland owners and forestry contractors.
On Dec. 17, Wilson ruled that Northern Pulp’s focus report didn’t contain enough information for him to make a decision on the controversial proposed facility.
“After reviewing the additional information and analysis provided in the focus report, I have determined that there is not enough information to properly assess whether there may be adverse effects or significant environmental effects on fish, air, water resources and human health,” Wilson wrote to mill manager Bruce Chapman.
Wilson said a new environmental assessment report would be required.
Days later, Premier Stephen McNeil announced that the province would not extend the Boat Harbour Act to allow the mill to continue operating while it filed such a report.
As a result the mill has stopped production of kraft pulp and is in the process of preparing for a prolonged cold idle. More than 300 employees have received layoff notices.
The applicants on the request for judicial review are seeking the province's decision to require a lengthier environmental assessment be overturned and damages be awarded.
“We warned MLAs the lack of a plan for the mill would mean immediate and continuing devastation across the forestry sector of this province and we’re already seeing independent contractors having their equipment repossessed, houses up for sale and families weighing a move out west to find work,” said Linda MacNeil, Unifor Atlantic regional director, in a news release announcing the court filing.
Meanwhile fishermen, concerned citizens and the Pictou Landing First Nation have praised the premier and the environment minister for both rejecting Northern Pulp’s focus report and refusing to extend the Boat Harbour Act.
In the weeks before his decision, documents leaked to numerous media outlets showed a concern with shortcomings in the focus report from multiple federal departments.