Description
This is to advise that on 24 May 2023, Nova Construction Co Ltd registered the Seabrook Quarry Expansion Project, Digby County for environmental assessment, in accordance with Part IV of the Environment Act.
The purpose of the proposed undertaking is to expand the size of the existing quarry footprint (Industrial Approval 2021-2794715-00) from 3.99 hectare (ha) to approximately 35 ha, enabling the quarry to continue operating seasonally at current average production rates of 150,000 to 200,000 tonnes of aggregate per year. Project activities will be consistent over the phased lifespan of the expansion, including vegetation and overburden removal, blasting/processing of extracted rock and stockpiling of finished aggregate for eventual transport to road and construction projects in the region. The extractable aggregate reserves in the proposed expansion area will extend the life of the quarry by an estimated 40 years at the current average annual rate of production. No other changes including frequency of blasting, processing operations, trucking, facilities or infrastructure are proposed beyond the progressive expansion of the quarry footprint to the north and west. Following completion of operations, the quarry will be reclaimed within a 3-year period and returned to a condition that is consistent with the natural surroundings and the desired final land use. Expansion activities are anticipated to commence as early as September 2023. The Project is located on PIDs 30192926 and 30192942 on Highway 217 in Seabrook, Digby County.
Minister's Decision
On 13 July 2023, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change released a decision (PDF) concerning this review. The Minister has determined that the Registration information was insufficient to make a decision on the Project and that additional information is required in accordance with Section 13(1)b of the Environmental Assessment Regulations, pursuant to Part IV of the Environment Act. The Proponent must provide information regarding water resources.
Project Documents
Registration
Opportunities for Public Input
Public comments on the Registration were accepted until 23 June 2023.
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.