Speak Out in Solidarity
Partnership for the Sustainable Development of Digby Neck and Islands Society
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Aerial shot taken of the actual site of the 3.9-hectare quarry (with sedimentation pond showing) and the surrounding area, much of which would be excavated to harvest the basalt. Photo: John Scott. |
What’s the big deal?
The ‘big deal’ is a 120-hectare (300 acre) quarry and a deep-water marine
terminal that has been proposed for Digby Neck, Nova Scotia. IF the
quarry goes ahead the company plans to ship 2 million tons of basalt to
the United States every year for 50 years.
Digby Neck is a narrow peninsula abutted on one side by the Bay of Fundy and on the other by by St. Mary’s Bay; both bays ultimately connect with the Gulf of Maine. It is a beautiful pristine area, almost like a ‘land that time forgot’. It is about 50 km in total length, with Long Island and Brier Island connected by short ferry rides. There is a peace and tranquility here, an oasis in the commercial striving found elsewhere.
What do you do on Digby Neck?
The unique location of Digby Neck, Long Island and Brier Island provides a wonderful habitat for many species of flora and fauna. The rich and diverse marine ecosystem supports important fisheries resources including herring and lobster. Fishing and the processing of fish for market are key economic activities in this area. The tranquil and beautiful environment has made Digby Neck and Islands a tourist destination, particularly for the outdoor enthusiast. Hiking, birding, deep-sea fishing and whale watching are a few of the experiences that can be enjoyed in the area.
Why stop the quarry?
The quarry and marine terminal that are proposed for Digby Neck will impact the environment. Tourism and fishing, the most important economic industries in the area, rely on a rich, clean environment. Digby Neck and the Islands are a central location along the Atlantic Flyway for migrating birds. The Bay of Fundy provides favorable feeding grounds for many species, including the endangered North Atlantic Right Whale, the endangered Atlantic salmon, as well as dolphins, seals, and porpoises. The construction and operation of a large-scale quarry and marine terminal may threaten these species, their environment and the communities that surround them.
What happens now?
The Canadian government has stated that the quarry and marine terminal are likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects to the marine and terrestrial environments. As a result, under CEAA, a Panel Review process has been initiated to determine the environmental impacts of the proposed project. Area residents and members of the public can participate in this Panel Review.
WHAT IS THE NORTH MOUNTAIN BASALT?
• About 200 million years ago, the igneous magma welled through the coastal fissures and poured over the surface as lava flows.
• The lava flows formed the basalt capping from Blomidon to Brier Island and beyond (for more than 200 km).
• The thickness of the multi-layered basalt varies from 75m in the N to over 200m in the SW.
• The lava cooled and crystallized very rapidly forming pentagon-shaped pieces, as does the earth when it dries. These pieces became columns in think-layered flows, thus the name columnar basalt.
THE COMMERCIAL INTEREST IN BASALT
• Basalt is a heavy, hard, durable stone that can be used as aggregate for road construction and for concrete.
• Clayton Concrete of New Jersey, the owner of Bilcon of NS and the potential owner of the mega-quarry, has an unlimited market in the U.S. for the basalt aggregate.
• There is no royalty in NS for stone like basalt, so the cost of production is limited to mining (by blasting), grinding, and shipping.
• A marine terminal is the only practical option for shipping the aggregate to NJ.
• It is reasonable to estimate a net profit of $5/ton, which translates to an annual profit of $10 million for shipping 2 million tons/year.
• If the first quarry starts operating, North Mountain has enough basalt to allow this rate of production to proceed forever.
WHAT ARE OUR CONCERNS ABOUT WHITE’S POINT QUARRY AND MARINE TERMINAL?
1. Lowering of regional groundwater table.
2. Impact of blasting on marine life.
3. Pollution of groundwater by blast residue and impairment of marine habitat by silt runoff.
4. Introduction of invasive species into the Bay of Fundy.
5. Impact of large vessel traffic on safety of small boats and marine mammals.
6. Loss of terrestrial habitat.
7. Impact of dust, noise, and vibration from the quarrying operation on human health and welfare.
8. Historical and archaeological issues.
9. Loss of jobs in the fishing industry.
10. Loss of jobs in the tourism industry.
11. Perpetual rights for mining basalt in NS under NAFTA.
WHAT CAN WE DO TO STOP THE WHITE’S POINT QUARRY AND MARINE TERMINAL AND TO ENSURE A SUSTAINABLE RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT?
1. Participate in the Panel Review process:
• Review the Public Registry documents.
• Review the draft Environment Impact Statement (EIS) Guidelines.
• Review the EIS of the Proponent.
• Prepare written submissions and oral presentations to the Review Panel.
2. Support the groups working on presentations for the Panel Review through personal involvement and/or financial contribution.
3. Share information and expertise with other groups.
4. Raise awareness of the public through community meetings and media.
5. Discuss our concerns with politicians and bureaucrats and follow up on the discussions.
6. Respond to public opportunities for input.
7. Ask for (and assist in) developing Municipal bylaws for approval of environmentally significant industrial projects.
8. Contact your provincial MLA or federal MP.
Sustainable Development
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