TRENTON
Trenton town council wants to know more about what the province plans to determine the viability of a proposed effluent pipeline emptying into the Northumberland Strait.
Coun. Don Hussher brought up the matter at council’s June 26 committee of the whole meeting, saying “everywhere we go, we’re being approached over this pipeline. I’m getting emails, and I know other people are,” emphasizing that he wants to get better informed on what’s at stake.
Hussher added that “we seem to be hearing from everyone except the province. I think it’s in everyone’s best interests to find out exactly the effect the (pipeline) is going to have.”
Hussher suggested that council request information from the province, specifically explaining the processes and procedures of Class 1 and Class 2 assessments.
“Different people are jumping in, and I would like to have someone come, whether it’s to Trenton council, or whether it’s all six municipalities, sit at a table with us and give us some information on just exactly what they’re going to do,” said Hussher.
Hussher told council he wants to know “the ins and outs, the pros and cons,” because there are “two sides to this. One is the employees, and one of our major manufacturers. The other side is the citizens and with them I include the fishers – their employment and income depends on (the Northumberland Strait).”
Hussher emphasized that he doesn’t want council to “sit on the fence” when it comes to the matter of Northern Pulp’s proposed 2020 effluent treatment system.
“The province is going to make a decision that’s going to affect… all of our communities, and communities anywhere near the Northumberland Strait.”
Coun. and Deputy Mayor Steven Stewart agreed, saying that “each side has their own opinion of how things are supposed to go. We don’t have any concrete information… from the ones that are going to say whether it goes or not.”
Ultimately, council decided to write a letter to the province, asking representatives to attend a meeting of municipalities in Pictou County, to specifically explain what processes take place in Class 1 and Class 2 assessments.