Description
On 14 May 2025, 4389818 Nova Scotia Ltd, a numbered company wholly owned by The Shaw Group Limited (Shaw), registered an Environmental Assessment Registration Document (EARD) for the Nictaux Sand Pit Expansion Project, in accordance with Part IV of the Environment Act.
The purpose of the proposed undertaking is to extend the pit development area of the existing Trimper Sand and Gravel Pit from the current 26-hectare footprint to approximately 125 hectares. Shaw intends to operate the Project for the purpose of extracting commercial sand at a rate of approximately 590,000 tonnes per year. The Project will provide a source of high-quality sands to developments in Nova Scotia and the local market.
The Project is located on South Mountain east of Nictaux River in Annapolis County within the Municipality of the County of Annapolis. The Project will be accessed by Highway 201 east of Trunk 10 and is situated on lands owned by Shaw and/or its subsidiaries. The land parcels include the following premises identification numbers (PIDs): 05291448, 05291455, 05286976, 05286984, 05310834, 05286968, 05194030, 05313853, 05059688 and 05058334. Construction is proposed to commence in 2026, with operations following for an estimated 30 years, depending on market demand.
Minister's Decision
On 2 July 2025, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change released a decision (PDF) concerning this review. The Minister has decided to approve the undertaking in accordance with Section 13(1)b of the Environmental Assessment Regulations, pursuant to Part IV of the Environment Act. The undertaking has been approved subject to a number of conditions (PDF).
Project Documents
- Minister's Decision, Approval (PDF)
- Conditions (PDF)
- Comments EA Registration (PDF)
- Public Notice (PDF)
Registration
- Nictaux Sand Pit Expansion EA Registration Cover Letter (PDF)
- Nictaux Sand Pit Expansion EA Registration Document (PDF)
- Appendix A (PDF)
- Appendix B (PDF)
- Appendix C (PDF)
- Appendix D (PDF)
- Appendix E (PDF)
- Appendix F (PDF)
- Appendix G (PDF)
- Appendix H (PDF)
Opportunities for Public Input
Public comments on the Registration were accepted until 23 June 2025.
All comments received from the public consultation are posted on the department's website for public viewing. In the case of an individual, the address, email and contact information will be removed before being placed on the website.