Environment

The challenge over the past 20 years has been to identify and utilise energy sources that have less impact on the environment. Natural gas is considered a green energy source and adds to a clean energy mix as it produces less greenhouse gases than coal or oil. It is also a more reliable source of energy compared to energy from solar, wind and other renewable sources.

The Alton Natural Gas Storage Project is currently proceeding with the preparation of an environmental assessment report and will register this Project under the Nova Scotia Environment Act as a Class I Undertaking under the Environmental Assessment Regulations. The environmental assessment (EA) report will evaluate potential environmental effects, mitigation and monitoring.

The following studies have been undertaken in support of the EA:

  • Vascular plant survey;
  • Breeding bird and other wildlife surveys;
  • Bass fish population survey;
  • Archaeological and heritage resource survey;
  • Land use including agricultural and recreational use;
  • First Nations land and resource use (Mi’Kmaq Ecological Knowledge Study); and
  • Brine dispersion modeling.

As part of the EA process, the Alton Natural Gas Storage Project is implementing a public consultation plan including distribution of project information, meetings with various regulatory and elected officials, key stakeholder groups and a public open house. The objectives are:

  • To inform the public and key stakeholders about the project and provide accurate and consistent information; and
  • To obtain input from potentially affected parties/individuals to ensure the EA focuses on the issues of concern and that appropriate mitigation measures are identified and implemented.

The EA Report will be available for public review and comment.

To download information about timelines, consultations and environmental assesments, please refer to the documents below

PDF Document 2006 Open House Presentation Slides
PDF Document 2006 Open House Mail Out