Northern Pulp developing registration document for Class II environmental assessment

Northern Pulp Nova Scotia Corporation (“Northern Pulp”) is developing a registration document for its proposed transformation project for its pulp mill in Pictou County (the “Mill”) to initiate a Class II environmental assessment.

On July 15, 2021, Hon. Keith Irving, Nova Scotia’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change announced his decision that a Class II environmental assessment process is required for the proposed project.

The proposed project will transform the Mill into a best-in-class operation and one of the world's cleanest, most environmentally focused, and community-based mills.

“We look forward to working with Nova Scotia Environment and Climate Change, conducting thorough and transparent scientific research, and consulting with the public and aboriginal people throughout the Class II environmental assessment process,” said Graham Kissack, VP, Environment, Health & Safety, and Corporate Communications, Paper Excellence.

Once the project is registered, the registration document will be posted online, and Nova Scotia Environment and Climate Change will draft terms of reference for public review and comment.

The launch of the proposed transformation project and the Minister’s decision requiring a Class II environmental assessment are just the beginning of Mill’s transformation process. Over the coming months, Northern Pulp will engage and collaborate with the community to refine plans for the transformation project and begin work on a comprehensive environmental assessment.

The more than $350 million proposed transformation project has been developed to address community issues and concerns while using Best Available Technology to transform the Mill into a best-in-class operation, environmentally and otherwise.

Northern Pulp has launched a new information and engagement website, www.TomorrowsMill.ca, for community members to learn more and provide input on the proposed transformation project.

The transformation of Northern Pulp would result in hundreds of jobs during construction and re-establish more than 300 well-paying direct mill jobs in Pictou County and more than 2,500 forestry sector jobs throughout the province when the Mill is operational.

Northern Pulp produces Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft pulp at the Mill that is used in the manufacturing of a variety of products from tissue and paper towels to food additives and packaging.