HEALTHY FORESTS NEED A MILL
ABOUT US
We are Nova Scotians who care deeply about our province, our forests, and our communities. We are the 36,000 Nova Scotians who own small and large woodlots. We are 10,000 plus owners and workers of forestry businesses in Nova Scotia. We are the supporters of the forestry sector who supply them with goods and services. We are Nova Scotians who are proud of our heritage, our rural way of life and the sustainable use of our renewable natural resources embodied in forestry.
We work in the forests everyday. They sustain our families and we work hard to sustain them. Forests need to be nurtured to stay healthy.
We take care of our forests every single day. We practice ecological forestry, We look after our land. We grow trees. We tend to them as they grow and when they are mature, we harvest them and start the process all over again. Forestry is a renewable and sustainable sector. Forestry was local before local was cool and renewable before renewable was trendy. Forestry is one of Nova Scotia’s most durable and impactful sectors.
Northern Pulp is prepared to transform its mill into one the cleanest in the world. We support them. Our forests and forestry need a central pulp mill otherwise the economics of ecological forestry would collapse.
The Friends of a New Northern Pulp welcome any Nova Scotian that supports the establishment of a clean, modernized Northern Pulp mill to join us. Our founding Steering Committee includes;
Robin Wilber, Elmsdale Lumber
Peter Spicer, Seven Gulches Forestry
Ryan Scott, Scott & Stewart Forestry
Andy MacGregor, MacGregor’s Industrial Group
Earle Miller, Woodlot Owner
Forest Products Produced from a Softwood Tree
WHY DO WE NEED A NEW PULP MILL?
Many people wonder if pulp mills are still needed. Activists will say that pulp mills are relics of a bygone era. They are dead wrong. Just look around your own home. Many of the products you use everyday and rely on are made with pulp. Tissues, toilet paper, newspapers, disposable diapers, writing paper, cardboard and even some of our food products are made with wood pulp.. So, the answer is YES. Nova Scotians use pulp products and Nova Scotia needs a pulp mill.
Healthy forests and ecological forestry also need a pulp mill. Generally, a little over half (51%) of harvested trees end up at a pulp mill or lower grade product facility. Not all trees or not all parts of a tree are suitable for high value lumber. Having access to a pulp mill is the best economic value for some wood fibre. Without a local market for pulp grade wood (small diameter thinnings, sawmill wood chips, etc.), it is left on the forest floor and there is not enough revenue to pay for sustainable or ecological work on woodlots. If forests are ignored, they become over mature and susceptible to disease, infestations, forest fires and blowdowns. Leaving lower quality wood on the forest floor also makes tree planting, silviculture and other forestry management practices more difficult. The best and highest use of the forest resource is to achieve the most value of the resource at all stages. Pulp is an essential part of ecological forestry.
WHY DO WE SUPPORT A NEW NORTHERN PULP?
The Northern Pulp Mill is located in Pictou County in central Nova Scotia and easily accessible by our major roads. This is important because the cost of transporting bulky wood fibre requires a centrally located mill. There are pulp mills in Maine and New Brunswick, but trucking pulp grade wood there just isn’t viable. Ten years ago, Nova Scotia had three pulp mills -Liverpool, Port Hawkesbury, Pictou.
Now just the Port Hawkesbury mill is operating and only at half its original capacity. This means all the pulp grade wood from central and western Nova Scotia doesn’t have an economic market so the critical revenue it provided to woodlot owners and sawmills is no longer there. Forestry can not be sustained, and ecological forestry can not happen without a centrally located pulp mill.
The sector can not be sustained, and ecological forestry can not happen without a centrally located pulp mill.
WHAT IS NORTHERN PULP PROPOSING?
Paper Excellence, the owner of the Northern Pulp mill, is proposing to transform the Mill into one of the world’s cleanest modern mills. They will build a brand new Effluent Treatment System on site that includes Primary, Secondary and for the 1st time in Canada, a year-round Tertiary Treatment system to treat the effluent to the highest standard. The new mill will use less water, less chemicals, produce less carbon and have no odour in normal operating conditions. The transformation will cost over $350 million dollars.
The Mill has also committed to improving its place and relationships in the local community. The Mill has established an independent and a permanent community liaison committee and will provide public real time performance monitoring dashboard, independent 3rd party environmental auditing and a commitment to procure local supplies and workers while supporting the local community.
WHY SHOULD YOU SUPPORT THE NEW
NORTHERN PULP MILL?
Every Nova Scotian should care about the proposed transformation of Northern Pulp. Many of the Friends of Northern are already involved in forestry so they understand the importance of having a local market for pulp grade wood.
The effect of the Northern Pulp closure on their work, woodlot or business has been real and many haven’t survived.
The pandemic and resulting increase in lumber prices has sustained some in the sector but lumber prices are returning to normal and a pulp mill is needed to maintain and grow the workforce. Just like a farmer or fisher, foresters need a market for what they produce. 51% of the harvested wood ends up in a pulp mill. Northern Pulp paid a fair price for that pulp. The transformation will create a market for that pulp again and do so in a clean mill we can all be proud of.
Even if you aren’t directly involved in forestry, the sector impacts you and your community.
THINK ABOUT THESE FACTS
- Nova Scotia’s land mass is 75% forested.
- Forests need to be nurtured to remain healthy.
- Local wood products are a natural and renewable resource that Nova Scotians have relied on for centuries.
- Harvested wood is initially destined to either a sawmill or a pulp mill. Both types of mills are essential for a functioning forestry economy.
- Most of the wood products consumers use are made with pulp. (Cardboards, tissues, paper, food additives,)
- Although people think of lumber (2×4’s, plywood) as the core items from forests, lumber represents only about 1/3 of the volume of a harvested tree.
- Over half (51%) of all tree fiber ends up in a pulp mill. (Small diameter wood, sawmill wood chips)
- Without a pulp market, much value is left on the forest floor as waste and a risk for fire and pest infestations.
- Previously, all of that pulp wood was a valued product that added revenue for woodlot owners and sawmills when Northern Pulp was operating. Forestry contractors and secondary industries also benefited.
- Healthy forestry practices demand we use all of the resource and not waste anything.
- You wouldn’t grow pigs just for bacon or beef just for steaks or chicken just for breasts. Instead, there are markets for hamburger, roasts, wings, thighs, sausages, etc. This means the total resource is used, making it economical for all buyers and ethical for a responsible farmer. Pulp is an essential part of forestry.
- The cost of transportation matters. NP is centrally located allowing wood product from all over the province to be purchased. It’s simply not economical to truck pulp to mills in other places. Basically, there is an economic radius that makes sense to ship product. For the forestry activity in central and western NS there isn’t a place now to send pulp grade fiber.
A new Northern Pulp mill makes ecological
forestry possible and viable.
HOW DOES A PULP MILL IMPACT ECOLOGICAL FORESTRY AND THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE LAHEY REPORT?
Ecological forestry is the future of forestry in Nova Scotia. The government is implementing the policy on Crown land as part of the Lahey report recommendations for the sector. The Lahey Report provided a 3- prong plan for the Province to manage its Crown Land. Crown Land will be designated based on its best uses with approx. 33% designated as conservation lands to be permanently protected, 50% designated for multiple uses in an ecological matrix including light touch forestry and approximately 17% designated for high production forestry on land suitable to produce wood.
Ecological forestry means that forests are constantly worked on to ensure a variety of tree species and ages that support greater biodiversity are present. Every time a worker enters a forest to work, it costs money. Being able to sell the pulp grade wood that is often the by-product of that work pays for the ecological forestry. Who will pay for ecological forestry if there is no market? Government? Woodlot Owners? The simple truth is the important work of ecological forestry cannot happen without funding and will not happen without a market for the products produced. Why would any Nova Scotian want the forestry sector to be subsidized when we have a private sector solution available?
What can you do?
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Common Questions
IS THERE ENOUGH FORESTS LEFT TO SUPPLY A PULP MILL?
Why not let the trees grow so they can all be made into lumber??
Trees won’t all grow tall and straight. There are crooked ones, many trees grow too close together and need to be thinned to make room for the tree that will grow tall and straight. When a forester nurtures a woodlot, they remove the undesirable trees to make room for the others to grow. It is that byproduct that feeds a pulp mill and makes the woodlot stronger.
Is there a lot of pulp by product from a Premier tree harvested for lumber?
Will clearcutting continue?
Northern Pulp failed to get an environmental approval last time. Maybe they just aren’t up to it?
We think the new, bold Northern Pulp plans are just what forestry needs and the right solution for the pulp mill. It’s comprehensive and makes the mill into one of the cleanest in the world.
Last time, Northern Pulp was forced to act in a rush to replace an Effluent Treatment Facility (ETF) in under five years. The ETF Northern Pulp was using and all the previous owners used was owned by the Government of Nova Scotia and the Government set a hard deadline for it to be closed. So Northern Pulp focused on a plan to replace the ETF as fast as possible. The proposed solution was a standard Canadian pulp mill solution that is approved and operating all across Canada. The ETF only plan wasn’t acceptable to the community and the government of Nova Scotia and has been withdrawn from the EA process by the company.
In that process, Northern Pulp learned a lot. Neighbours and residents of Pictou were concerned about more than just the Effluent Treatment Facility and the original proposal was too narrow. The New plan addresses all of the concerns expressed by the community including effluent treatment, odour, air quality, water use, and forestry operations.
This New plan is for a total transformation of the existing pulp mill. The province has just announced a Class II Environmental Assessment will be undertaken for the mill. This is an even more rigorous process than the last Environmental Assessment process. This is good. The process will analyze the mill’s plans and provide Nova Scotians with the confidence those plans are environmentally sound.
Why would the forest industry support a company such as Northern Pulp?
For people involved in forestry, Northern Pulp is a very good company to deal with. They pay fair prices for pulp fiber, they buy most types of fiber and they were easy to do business with. Northern Pulp is an essential anchor for Nova Scotia’s forestry sector. Although the new mill will be the same size, with different equipment it will be able to purchase even more previously underutilized species than before.
The plan involves releasing treated effluent directly into Pictou Harbour. Do you support that?
In your previous EA it was said that, that system was world class, best technology available and now in just 18 months you are telling us this new plan is the best. Will there be an even better one in another 18 Months?
The last EA dealt solely with the immediate need to replace the Effluent Treatment Facility after the Province made use of the contracted Boat Harbour Effluent Treatment Facility (BHEFT) no longer possible. At the time, the Northern Pulp ETF replacement proposal was for the industry leading standard. During the last EA process, it became clear the community cared about more than the replacement ETF. So with significant input from a local Environmental Liaison Committee (ELC), the owners of Northern Pulp are proposing to undertake a total transformation of the mill making it into among the cleanest mills in the world with the best available technology and practices for every facet of operations including all its air, water, forestry and community impacts.
Will the new Northern Pulp process hemp?
It is unlikely the new Northern Pulp mill will process any hemp as it is not commercially available in NS. Additionally, The Northern Pulp mill finished product NBSK is the worlds premium pulp generally made from northern climate slower growing softwoods with longer and stronger fibers. Hemp is a southern hemisphere, fast-growing plant with very different features.
So if there is a heavy rain fall and the storm drains still go into the sewer system does it get held back for treatment or does raw waste water still go to the harbour?
We’re not certain what this question specifically refers to but the transformation proposal includes collecting and treating all produced and site water to the highest level possible. As well, the proposal includes additional capacity to hold a full days’ production of water onsite to avoid any requirement to ever have an overflow situation develop.
How are you treating surface water and landfill leachate now that you don’t have an onsite treatment facility?
Northern Pulp has an engineered landfill on the mill property. The landfill opened circa 1980 and is permitted by Nova Scotia Environment. The landfill contains residuals from the mill operations including primary sludge, fly ash, bottom ash, lime residues, and slaker residues. It does not contain any municipal solid waste or material from other companies, including Canso Chemicals.
Water from the landfill, consisting of water from the materials deposited, precipitation, and surface run-off is called leachate. As part of the operation of the landfill, the leachate is collected and treated. In the past, this leachate was treated as part of the mill effluent that was treated at the Boat Harbour Treatment Facility. Since the closure of the Boat Harbour Treatment Facility, the collected leachate has been treated offsite and will continue until a new advanced treatment facility is approved and operational. The Central Colchester Wastewater Treatment Facility is approved by Nova Scotia Environment to manage and treat surface water, including landfill leachate, and has been treating the water from the mill since June 2020.
Will you use “Closed Cycle Bleached Kraft Pulp Production” as part of the new mill? I understand it is the best available technology.
Northern Pulp has studied implementing a closed loop system. Unfortunately, the technology is not available to operate a closed loop system at a bleached kraft pulp mill. A closed loop system has been attempted unsuccessfully at other bleached kraft mills, but as of today the technology does not exist and there are no bleached kraft pulp mills anywhere in the world with a closed loop system.
Additionally, the Province of Nova Scotia retained an engineering firm to study this further. They concluded that, “Closing the loop is not an option for Northern Pulp.” You can view the report here: https://openinformation.novascotia.ca/FOI-Requests/2019-08311-TIR/shyb-bce4
Where will the pulp from the new mill be sold? Will it stay domestic?
In the past, Northern Pulp has supplied pulp to companies involved in the production of food products, LED screens, bagging, copy paper, tissue, and paper towels. As we move forward, our markets will focus on tissue production in the north east United States, and tissue, paper towel, and copy paper production in Asia. It is very likely some of these products companies produce with pulp from our mill will be sold in Canada. The exceptional quality of Northern Pulp’s product, NBSK is in very high demand wordwide. Because of it’s strength and premium quality, It is often blended with lower quality pulp products from other markets to produce finished consumer products.
What is a normal operating condition as referred to your statement about no odour during normal operating conditions?
Normal operating conditions at the Mill reflects all production and emissions controls operating as they are designed to. We expected normal operating conditions to be greater than 99% of the time. Upset conditions represent start-ups, shut downs, and unforeseen problems with our production equipment and emissions controls and will be less than 1% of the time.
Will the middle river dry up?
No. The Middle River will not dry up. When previously operating, the Mill used approximately 70,000 – 85,000 m3 of water from Middle River per day. Water usage from the Middle River will decrease by 45% to approximately 45,000 m3 of water from Middle River per day. This reduction in water use will increase the water flow into Pictou Harbour and increase its flushing capability. Detailed marine studies and modeling will be conducted and shared with the public once the work is completed.
Will there be more jobs at the mill if it reopens?
When previously operating, the Mill supported a significant number of well-paying jobs throughout Nova Scotia, including approximately 350 direct onsite jobs and 1,227 indirect jobs. We expect to hire approximately the same number of direct employees when the transformed mill reopens. Importantly, these are generally year-round, family supporting jobs.
For more questions and answers from Northern Pulp or to ask a question about the new mill transformation please got to: https://www.tomorrowsmill.ca/transformation?tool=qanda#tool_tab
Here’s to the Northern Pulp mill getting back up and running soon!
Hopefully this mill will get the support of the NS people .they are doing their due diligence and not asking the government for handouts .just a fair climate to do business..
Forestry is a must here in Nova Scotia there are a lot of people and businesses that rely on Forestry and if our forests are managed properly they will provide for years to come .
Reopening Northern Pulp would be a first baby step in realizing the full value of Nova Scotia’s forest products offerings. Pulp is an excellent use of a natural and renewable resource. Let’s get this mill running to 2020 standards and keep on working on even more Green Economy alternatives. It’s healthier for humans, the forest and the earth!
Nova Scotia needs a state of the art mill right here in Pictou County, best in case for production, best in class for energy efficiency, best in class for carbon footprint, and best in class for pollution control, let’s all work together to make it happen. I fish right off the area where the mill is and would like my great children to have the same opportunity. We need the high paying jobs here.
This mill should never have gotten closed our economy is lost with out the forestry industry it will have the best and most advanced treatment facility in all of Canada and one of best in the entire world this company is not like others previously they are going to put over half a billion into this mill just for the treatment facility and millions more for start up as well as what they will invest for years to come you can tell they are a company that is committed to this province blame your government for past mistakes not the company that owns the mill now
As an former northern pulp silviculture worker. Now a small Forestry business owner….we need the mill back. Nova scotia needs Forestry.
It would be a much needed boost to the economy in the province and the efficiency is reported to be of very high standards! I believe it would provide work to so many in related fields of workI I can’t wait to see our economy flourishing once again!
WE NEED IT UP AND RUNNING
Nova Scotia needs this new mill. I don’t understand why the government doesn’t approve the project.
I hope it gets back up and running Pictou County needs it.
Nova Scotia needs high paying union jobs more than ever with all the promises the politicians are making now
Happy to be become a friend!
Time for industry to be brought back to Nova Scotia. NP never should have been shut down as it was complying with all environmental laws.
NS government needs to get Northern Pulps everirmontal assement done as Soon as Possible. Nova Scotia needs decent paying JOBS.
As a previous forest technician working out of Oxford NS I was responsible for the early private forest land management program . Durning those 10 years we planted 5 000 000 trees on private wood lots . About 80 % was old farm fields. Those stands now ready for there first merchantable thinning . First merchantable thinning produce a high amount of pulp. With out those first thinning we will loose a complete rotation of saw logs . No saw logs no lumber. We need thar pulp market for our first thinning.
Come on Nova Scotia. We need this for the tax revenue for our health care and education. Let’s make this happen
Nova Scotia PEI and New Brunswick need Northern Pulp we need a market for our lower quality wood. The Forestry sector needs this mill
Much required for a healthy and sustainable resource
well done and good luck
Very informative with lots of great information. I believe in science and I support the reopening plan of Northern Pulp.
I am a supporter of NP
Delighted to join. The forest industry has been lax in promoting its values, its importance to the economy and its positive contributions to the environment—especially to urbanites. The time in now, the need is urgent. We can win with hard work, solid financing and good communication.
We need northern pulp
NS need northern pulp
Excellent Information!
We need northern pulp up and running
As a wood lot owner and farmer we need a balanced environment for a health future
Pictou County needs political leadership that supports the Mill! I continue to be disappointed with all three provincial candidates but your Pictou mayor is the most disappointing. He appears to have no idea about the long term economic and social consequences if that Mill is not restarted.
I worked at a pulp mill for many years at another site in Nova Scotia. Many years ago a new state of the art treatment plant was constructed and all effluent is discharged into the ocean that has a very large fishery in the same area. I am told that the area is very prosperous for shellfish. I think the same can be engineered and constructed for the Northern Pulp so that the industry and surrounding area can co exist.
I live in Pictou, and I support the pulp mill. I am looking forward to the reopening.
Good to see you are so committed. It’s too bad the province doesn’t see the big picture other than politics.
We still all need to be more proactive if we are going to keep this industry afloat
Great job on the website!
I support Northern Pulp reopening!!
Very happy to see some progress on this project. NS needs a large consumer of chips and biomass for the long term benefit of all forest products manufacturing in the region.
We must keep on pushing to educate everyone that Northern Pulp is a good news story for the environment AND the economy. To practice long term forestry we must have a market for low value wood…. Pulp
Nova Scotia needs industry like Northern Pulp above hospitality, above retail, above any other businesses because it sustains the economy with good stable jobs at the core, good sustainable jobs at the supply level, good sustainable jobs at the support level and that leads to much needed cash flow for groceries, automobiles, housing, utilities, recreation and so much more. Its a win win for everyone.
I applaud the work and efforts this group have done and is doing with the foresight of what will build and our province and let Nova Scotia be great once again
thank you
The province needs Northern Pulp to reopen so we can started with the Lahey report recommendations for our Forest
Excellent website that promotes truth in the forest sector! The revitalized mill that Northern Pulp is proposing would put Pictou County, it’s residents, political leaders and business owners on the worldwide map for environmental stewardship and forward thinking leadership.
I am in full support of Northern Pulp reopening!
A big supporter of NP. The industry needs a strong voice in government but who is that? Do we have candidates running who will be that voice. I don’t think we can believe anything coming from the Rankin Liberals so it must be the Conservatives where we can get support.
Great Read
Great Information.
I look forward to the mill getting up and running again in an environmentally friendly manner.
A truly sustainable provincial Forest Industry needs Northern Pulp operating; let’s get this done.
A pulp mill is probably one of the most efficient recycling plants a province can have in it inventory of industries in our province . a New modern pulp mill can consume the mountains of chips , bark , and saw dust that saw mills produce on a daily basis . The results of this consumption is pulp which is sold on the world markets and the end result is a variety of Paper products . We need to utilize the 35 to 40 % waste that is generated by the production of lumber produces . Utilization is the key word not waste The waste from a saw mill can be and should be utilized to 100 % . The utilization of waste produces creates and sustains countless other business which are all add to a much healthier economy . Whether it be wood waste or plastic waste products it all can be utilized for some other purpose , recycled . Recycling creates new
products , jobs and ideas and can diversify our economy . We need base industries , manufacturing in our province ,
It is long over due that the people of Nova Scotia began to understand the contribution Forestry makes to our entire way of life.
I fully support the development of an environmentally friendly new Northern Pulp Mill. Good Luck.
Well done ! Wood industry is
an important motor of the local
economy.
My son worked at the mill and has had to travel since it’s closure. I support the new Northern Pulp, please get it up and running, the sooner the better. Nova Scotia needs this industry.
Very nice to see the commitment and fantastic information
It’s time to get this mill rebuilt to modern standards and into production. It is critical to implementing the Lahey report and to the long term health of Nova Scotia’s forests and its forestry industry.
I support Northern Pulp however, it must meet the ETS pollution and environmental standards of its waste water prior to being dumped in Pictou Harbor. Our Forestry is being devastated through lack of proper management and movement of the product in the forests. A major factor in this management is the existence and operation of an environmentally friendly Pulp Mill which benefits a wide sector of the population. Take the politics out of the decisions and go with the science around this newly renovated pulp mill.
Glad to be an advocate.
I believe in science. The world continues to consume pulp and paper products (tissues, toilet paper, disposable diapers, writing paper, etc.) The world market continues to use lumber. Fortunately, these products come from a sustainable resource (our forests). It is critical we encourage industry and the public to promote the use of best forestry practices to sustain our forests for generation to come.
Northern Pulp has hired experts to evaluate, improve and design systems which minimize the impact to our environment. As a believer in science, I anticipate Northern Pulp will become a valuable, respected corporate Nova Scotia citizen.
I believe in sustainable forestry.
Looking forward to the mill to reopen, being in the electrical repair business for the pass 40 years.
we have done a lot of motors, transformers and switchgear repairs. would be great to see it back on operation.
Nova Scotia needs NP
Very interesting and informative information.I support the re-opening of Northern Pulp!
We have supplied to Northern Pulp for as long as we can remember. The proposal is very interesting and is worth govn’t attention. We support the reopening of the mill!
Forestry has been our life.
Please reopen the mill.
N.S. need NP
I support the re-opening of Northern Pulp.
With my woodlot being 55% fir grade pulp that means no market for 55% of my trees. We can not harvest without a mill.
I support the friends of the new northern pulp to help make a difference. As silviculture we need the pulp mill to keep going to help with poor quality wood from thinning and keep our forests sustainable.
*Richard
A centrally located pulp mill, that makes an essential finished product is needed for a sustainable and economically viable pulpwood market. An economically viable pulpwood market is needed for active woodland management. Active woodland management is one of the best ways to store carbon and help mitigate climate change.
Northern Pulp is the most progressive path forward for future forest management and carbon storage in Nova Scotia.
Yes N.S needs Northern Pulp mill as long as they make all requirements
I fully support the reopening of Northern Pulp!
Re-opening the mill is an indispensable part of any realistic plan to have a sustainable, well-managed forestry industry in NS.
And forestry is an indispensable part of our both our economy and healthy lifestyle.
In order to practice sustainable forestry, especially when attempting to restore land previously clearcut, one must cut the worst trees and leave the best. With no market for the worst trees, this becomes uneconomic. Very few are going to pay out of pocket and work for free to improve their woodlot. We need Northern Pulp.
This mill has been a linchpin of the rural economy for decades. So far CERB and the pandemic have buried the full cost to Nova Scotia: over $400 million in lost economic activity annually. For once we have an owner willing to make the investments required to build the cleanest pulp mill in Canada. There will be a rigorous Class 2 Environmental Assessment. The past is behind us. Let the science speak.
I support the reopening of Northern Pulp!
We should all be proud to have this valuable industry in Pictou County, let’s all support the NEW NORTHERN PULP and get it operating again!
We need to have the mill open to prevent wood from getting wasted
As the last Chief Power Engineer at NPNS I fully endorse the modernization plan.
I’m glad to see this level of commitment to sustainable operations and community relationships by Northern Pulp!
Wood pulp supplies us with so many products in our everyday lives and all from a renewable resource; a pulp mill is an integral part to any successful forest industry. In order to make the primary products we use everyday, we need a pulp mill in Nova Scotia. I support Northern Pulp.
This company is willing to invest the time and capital to right the environmental wrongs of their past, modernize their operation, and do the work it takes to heal their relationship with PLFN and the surrounding communities.
I don’t support any mill restart; I support an environmentally bulletproof effluent system, clean air, and a company that is committed to being a great part of our community.
The most renewable resources is wood, if you are talking about the environment. Do you have any idea that pulp and paper is the cleanest product in the world? It is renewable and it is also biodegradable. The woods chopped down are FSC certified. If you really care about the environment why are you using natural gas to heat your house and burning the coal to supply the power? DO YOU KNOW the coal burning power plant with 645MW generator will discharge over 40 million tons CO2 in 10 years but 20 million tons CO2 by burning natural gas and only 4 million tons CO2 will be discharged by burning wood pellet? We are talking about the Carbon footprint and your daily life usage is way more polluted than the pulp and paper industry.
We need Northern Pulp in Pictou County
I support the reopening of a cleaner modernized Northern Pulp. Pictou County needs good paying jobs.
It would be nice to see the mill move forward and become a big part of the area again 🤞
I support Northern Pulp reopening.
We need to get the mill back open for Great Jobs and economy
I fully support the reopening of a transformed, re-engineered Northern Pulp! The forestry sector needs this facility to properly manage wood lots with the tops and low grade wood being sold as Pulpwood. The sawmills need a good market for pulp chips which with there long strong fibers can be turned into world class products we use every day!
Lets give the mill a fair chance to pass the class two environmental assessment and set up a world class operation like ones operating in other progressive, environmentally conscious country’s! Lets see the Forest Economy in NS thrive as we further discover what other products can be made from this wonderful renewable resource!
Glad to be accepted.
I see the need for this mill to reopen almost everyday.I work part time in the forest industry and see this first hand. Better prices for Woodlot owners is only one of the benefits, an economic plus for the province is another.And there many more
Hoping the pulp mill is up and working soon
A great opportunity to do it right. Look after the woods workers, pay them well, include First Nations partners, and educate the public. Let’s not make the same mistakes over and over. We know how to do it right and if we do, we can bring this industry back. I’m in!
This mill had been a source of livelihood for many families over the years and could continue to be for years to come. The present company is willing to right the wrongs of their past, but also those of the years prior to their ownership by committing to invest time and capital needed to create a clean modernized mill. I support a New Northern Pulp.
I believe closing boat harbour was long over due. Our governments have failed both the Indigenous community, and the forestry sector of Nova Scotia. It’s rare in any industry to get a second chance after a forced closure usually resulting in relocation to another province or territory fighting for the chance at potential revenue. There needs to clear understanding that this is not boat harbour, our governments need to step up to plate and work with NP ensuring this project is a success story and can be a model for the the future of sustainable and green resource management here in Pictou County.
Our forests are precious natural resources that can play a vital role in the future of Nova Scotia. As one of the thousands of private woodlot owners in the province, I can say there is no one more committed to ecological management of our forests. I’m excited about the future and having a well managed, ecological forest needs a New Northern Pulp. Like many private landowners, my woodlot has been in my family for over 80 years. It’s a source of great pride, a place that we treasure and it’s worth protecting and managing for future generations – part of making sure that happens is a New Northern Pulp.
I hope that the science will show that a pulp mill can operate and be environmentally friendly.
The sooner you get it done the better.Good luck
Have spent time in the mill supporting their maintenance operations over the years as a safety professional. I for one hope that the new plan moves forward as NS needs the jobs provided by heavy industry.
Reopen the mill! This is needed for the good of our province.
Delighted to read the article on Peter and Pat Spicer in Saturday Oct/ 23 Herald and also the many comments and articles on this website in support of Northern Pulp.
The forestry industry is a major contributor to the economy of all of Nova Scotia.Northern Pulp served not only western and central Nova Scotia but eastern Nova Scotia including Cape Breton and provided an alternative to the Port HAWKESBURY MILL
The new Northern Pulp will make it possible for all wood lot owners to practice good forest management which in the end will be very beneficial to the environment as a whole. We strongly support Northern Pulp in its efforts to resume operations.
Get the mill up and running. Sooner the better!
I learnt a tremendous amount of information from your site. I look forward to updates. It will come down to NP. However, saying that, it is important to get this critical information to all citizen’s of Nova Scotia. It is easier to make an informed opinion, when you have a full understanding of all of the facts.
I look forward to further information.
A healthy forestry sector needs a market for low quality wood, whether that wood is the result of a commercial thinning/selective harvest or a more intensive cut. I am concerned by the evidence I see of high-grading, due to the severe limitations on the ability to find an outlet for material which is not suitable for lumber markets. Much of the good resulting from efforts to manage woodlands sustainably may be undone by the situation in which we currently find ourselves.
I am optimistic that a way can be found to upgrade and reopen the mill, while ensuring compliance with appropriate clean air and clean water standards, and thus creating an environment conducive to implementation of the objectives established by the Lahey Report.
I believe in science and I support Northern Pulp’s plans to be a cleaner modernized mill and Nova Scotia needs a healthy forestry sector
Glad to support this group.
I support the mill re-opening !!
Northern Pulp has been a core part of the Nova Scotia Forestry operations for decades, offering good paying jobs and related opportunities for thousands of people. Much has changed over the years at the mill, and I fully support the proposed “New” NP as part of the changes. I hope we can find a way forward that benefits Nova Scotia. There is no question that Boat Harbour was wrong, but that could have, and would have, been solved with more cooperation and leadership from our former Premier. This is too important an opportunity for Nova Scotia to let hardcore opponents close down every attempt to find a win-win solution. Our forest is a renewable resource that we must fully utilize, and a pulp mill is essential to that objective.
How did the public’s view of forestry become so unjustifabley negative?
Over the past 70 years I have witnessed constant improvement to the efficiency and environmental safety of forest practices.
It seems that the media has encouraged a negative urban view of rural Nova Scotia. Perhaps they need to realize that the new pulp mill is needed, not just for the rural areas but for all of Nova Scotia.
An environmentally responsible pulp mill is exactly what is needed in NOVA SCOTIA and Northern pulp is proposing to do exactly that! The science that i have seen here is world class and deserves a fair look for consideration! In todays society of carbon capture and environmental stewardship companies like Northern Pulp need to be lauded for their efforts to clean it up and make the site a world leader in our quest for environmental responsibility! Look at the science not the misinformation and surely you will see my point! all the best N.P. lets get it done!
I support the re-opening of the New Modernized Mill, it certainly will help all the needs in the Forestry Selector and create jobs that are needed here in Pictou County !!!!
As a private woodlot owner and professional forester I fully support the re-opening of a new and improved Northern Pulp. The forest products value chain is severely broken without a market for low quality wood. Our ability to improve our woodlots depend on it.
I feel all governments should take along hard look at all the tax revenue that is generated from manufacturing companies all across Canada, without industry, how can we expect to support all of our social, and service programs.
We need the tax revenue from industry to run this great country of ours.
I think, if we listen to all the special interest groups that are trying to shut down: petroleum, pulp and paper, mining, agriculture, power generating, farming and our fisheries this country will not survive.
This mill should never have been shut down.
Perfectly said and exactly right on all points
there are too many jobs at stake here not to follw the science
Let’s give northern pulp a chance to fix the issues they inherited from past owners, and get the mill running again.
I fully support the reopening of a totally transformed modernized pulp mill for Northern Pulp. The Nova Scotia Forestry program needs our mill to reopen, as do the mill employees who have lost their jobs. The economy of Pictou County and Nova Scotia as a whole is suffering from the loss of this major industry. This is a great financial investment coming from a Company that wants the mill to succeed. It’s not every day we are going to see a financial investment such as this for Nova Scotia. We need the support of everyone in Pictou County and beyond. The Company has not given up on us, so now is the time to send our support for this major project. Lets get this done!
I support all the work being done by Northern Pulp to ensure that the new mill will be one of the best mills in the world. Nova Scotia certainly needs the benefits that would flow from the mill reopening and providing good jobs both at the mill and for all the people and businesses that depend on the forestry sector.
With this new 350 million dollars investment to make The Northern pulp mill “ the most environmentally friendly mill “ in all of Canada, it would be an absolute & total financial insanity on the part of this Nova Scotia PC government to not allow this massive $350 million construction project to go ahead and the mill to eventually restart. When the science proves that both the Forestry and Fishing industry can in this year “2022” co- exist together, it is about time to stop playing “politics “ and make the right decision for Pictor County and the province of Nova Scotia. Look at countries like Sweden & Norway and the province of British Columbia right here in Canada and learn how both industries operate successfully together
I strongly support the re-opening of the mill as it will give a great boost to Pictou economic situation, it will help retain youth in the region and create some good jobs.
Northern Pulp, and all Kraft Mills generally, are the platform for future biorefineries and the development of bioproducts. The mill will not only ensure that anything that is harvested is fully utilized it also provides an opportunity to produce other renewable products in addition to wood fiber.
I support the re-opening of a modernized pulp mill.
I am very proud to support the New Northern Pulp with it’s new modernization plan for the future of a better forestry and pulp and paper industry. Pictou County and surrounding areas are in dire need to have plan put in place sooner than later. We need the Mill to help bring back a long overdue sagging economy!
If the Government does not get there act together and start working with business’s that want to come here to set up there
will be no money for our health care, Education, Roads and other things that the government provide money for. If anyone is in New Glasgow they should go into the malls and take a look at the empty stores and the ones that are still there but are
shutting down because of not enough business. We are going backwards very fast as I can remember before the mill came here you could not buy or borrow money to build or buy a home as the Banks would not finance anyone that did not have a steady job and it is still that way today. The MLA’s had better get their heads out of the sand and take a very serous look around and do something before it is to late. It is to late now for the business that are here now as it is quite evident when you take a look around the county and the Province.
Our post pandemic NS economy needs a strong sustainable diverse forestry sector as per the Bill Lahey report. An environmentally sound market for kraft paper through Northern Pulp appears to offer a scientific solution.
We need northern pulp in this province
I am optimistic that a way can be found to retool and reopen the Mill, meeting the highest standards, while ensuring a Healthy Environment with clean air and clean water for all of Pictou County Citizens and all our Natural Resources.
I support the opening of Northern Pulp for workers and foresters to maintain a
healthy and prosperous work environment. By harvesting and reforesting we
maintain a healthier environment for all stake holders.
The problem is all the protected land and the clearcutting, there is little in between, in the past when we subsidized uneven forest management, we had better forests, it was affordable to do silviculture and the pulp went to the pulp mill as a by-product of improving the forest. Now we are sending young red spruce into stud wood -should be illegal and yellow birch and sugar maple are being clearcut for wood chips, clearcutting is a tool, that has its place, but is being misused and huge areas of protected land are only for environmental extremists, forest fires and a few animals but the loss of jobs and the potential for silviculture are also lost. Today we have a Nova Scotia environment department singly without government control protecting land that does not need protection, out into the communities, to meet some kind of liberal promise to environmental ngo’s. We need to control our own resources and not have two extremes.