Comment on Fifteen Mile Stream Gold Mine Project submitted by Atlantic Mining NS Inc
Eva Evans, BSc Hons, resident in West Hants, province of Nova Scotia April 30, 2021
Thank you for the opportunity to provide comment on the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) of proposed Fifteen Mile Stream (FMS) Gold Project submitted by Atlantic Mining NS Inc, a wholly owned subsidiary of St Barbara Limited, as part of the Environmental Assessment
(EA) process.
In my view and in that of others much more qualified than myself (for example Dr Karen Beazley of Dalhousie University, this project should not be approved. In spite of any or all mitigation measures, there WILL be significant harm to the biodiversity, waters and wetlands of Nova Scotia. Since 1900 the world has lost 64% of its wetlands, wetlands that are priceless in the services they render. We cannot afford to lose more. There is also the potential harm, noise and inconvenience to the travelling public and local residents from the trucks which will transport the thousands of tonnes of partially processed ore for 75 km on public roads. The proponent estimates that 6 million liters of diesel per year will be needed to operate the trucks for the Fifteen Mile Stream project. This is one more reason the project is costing our planet more than its worth. The operating period for the mine site is an estimated 7 years, but the contamination from the site will have to be managed forever. Gold is not a critical resource. Any benefits will be short term and limited to a few number of people. Environmental degradation is permanent.
I understand that Atlantic Mining NS Inc has had several non-compliance instances related to its gold mining operations in eastern Nova Scotia over the past few years, resulting in charges under NS's Environment Act: "failing to comply with the conditions of an approval" and "releasing substances into the environment in amount, concentration or level in excess of approval level or regulations". What is the proponent's record in regard to working conditions? Recently it was reported in the news that the Atlantic Gold workers decided to join a union in order to address issues and concerns including health and safety, working conditions and unfulfilled promises regarding wages and promotions.
Finally I would like to mention the blue felt lichen, a species at risk which the proponent proposes to 'translocate'. Has translocation of this species ever been successful?
I respectfully urge you to turn down this proposal for the above reasons and many more. We do not need another open pit gold mine in Nova Scotia.
Sincerely,
Eva Evans
