BY COLIN MCPHAIL MCPHAIL.COLIN@BRUNSWICKNEWS.COM
02 SEP 2013 11:35PM
Citizens and environmental groups will get the chance to formally comment on the Sisson mine project and its environmental impact assessment.
The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency opened a six-week public comment period Friday to gather input on the mine’s impact assessment, which was released Friday.
Stephanie Merrill, freshwater program director with the Conservation Council of New Brunswick, said she’s concerned the six-week period isn’t enough time to properly analyze the 210-page impact assessment study in order to submit informed comments and recommendations to reduce the mine’s impact.
“It seems the process is highly unfair to the public who really wants to participate, and we see there’s a need for revamping how the public participates and the process occurs,” Merrill said.
“A hearing process or tribunal would really help give the public a better and more accessible platform to speak.”
Merrill said the agency granted the conservation council official intervener status for the Sisson project, allowing the council to receive funding for their work concerning the mine.
She said the group is using the funding to line up a number of experts to analyze and breakdown the impact assessment to address areas of concerns and potential issues before the project moves forward. The experts come from a variety fields, such as fish population and habitats, water quality and public health, she said.
Merrill said the council plans to hold community sessions so the experts can explain the “highly technical document” in time for the public to submit a comment.
She said the council has been working with local groups while navigating provincial policy.
“We’re generally concerned with the scale of this project — it’s huge,” Merrill said.
“With a tailing dam twice the height of the Mactaquac Dam, you can’t but be concerned about the impact of a catastrophic failure on the Nashwaak River.”
Read Full Article (paywall): http://www.telegraphjournal.com/thedailygleaner/14316232-266/sisson-mine-project-open-bni