Back to SearchDIEPPE, N.B. — Following a number of questions from residents concerning a company’s project to dispose of treated water in the city’s sewer system, here are some clarifications from the City of Dieppe.
Atlantic Industrial Services (AIS) has applied for an Environmental Impact Assessment from the provincial Department of Environment and Local Government (DELG) in order to dispose of 30 million litres of treated water in Dieppe’s municipal sewer system originating from their facility in Debert, Nova Scotia. After receiving the application, DELG informed the City of Dieppe as well as other stakeholders affected by the application, as per the normal process. At the beginning of July, the City of Dieppe advised DELG of some concerns. We are currently waiting for answers.
Has the City of Dieppe accepted this request?
No authorization has been provided by the municipality since it is DELG which approves (or does not approve) applications for Environmental Impact Assessments. DELG also determines whether or not the project is a danger to the public and the environment.
Was city council advised of this project?
No presentation was made to city council – either by the consultant or the company. Members of council have received copies of the Environmental Impact Assessment application in the last few days.
Is city council in favour of the shale gas industry?
City council has not taken a stance in favour or not in favour of the industry.
Has the City of Dieppe taken any initiatives to attract this type of industry?
The City of Dieppe has not undertaken any initiatives to attract this type of industry.
If it is not good for the environment in Debert, why would it be good for Dieppe’s?
At this time, the project is still at the discussion stage. It is up to DELG to determine whether or not this project meets environmental standards. If the Environmental Impact Assessment application is accepted by the Province of New Brunswick, the City of Dieppe will need to determine whether or not it is beneficial to the city.
I heard that contaminated water will be disposed of in Dieppe. Why isn’t the City opposed to this project?
At this time, this project is still being studied by DELG and no approval has been given for water coming from AIS to be disposed in Dieppe’s municipal sewer system. Based on the information contained in the Environmental Impact Assessment application, the water to be disposed has been treated. This is one of the questions we have asked DEGL.
If this project goes ahead, will the City of Dieppe receive additional income?
No, the City of Dieppe will not receive additional income.
In the environmental impact assessment application, it is mentioned that “the City of Dieppe has indicated that the water could be discharged through its system.” Have discussions taken place with the company in question?
The consultant contacted the City to get further details on our municipal bylaw and to find out if it was possible to dispose of water in our municipal sewer system – and how much. Discussions did not touch on this project specifically.
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