Fifteen Mile Stream Gold Project

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Attachment Mikmaw Ecological Knowledge Study for 15 Mile Stream gold mine project area

  • Fifteen Mile Stream Gold Project
  • Author: St. Mary's River Association
  • Reference number: 125
  • Submitted: 2022-11-11 - 12:38 PM
  • Updated: 2022-11-30 - 10:34 AM
  • Rationale: Comment updated for administrative purposes
  • November 9th 2022 some of my colleagues attended an open house hosted by St. Barbara in Sheet Harbour for the 15 Mile Stream Gold Mine Project.  The open house highlighted major changes to this project which I have not seen shared publicly prior to this open house.  When asked, staff said details were mailed out to locals but locals I since talked to have not seen any of this information.  When asked about the attached Mi'kmaw Knowledge Study proponet staff stated the 2018 study was now to old and they will now be working with Millbrook First Nation on a new study.  I want to make sure this study is not dismissed as it is certainly still relivent and I feel St. Barbara simply did not like the results of the study so they dismissed it.  I am not happy about the expansion plan either.  Most notably adding 3 more open pits in the middle of this very large wet land.  You can read about it through this link which takes you to an article written by Joan Baxter with the Halifax Examiner titled,  Critics ‘extremely concerned’ as St Barbara changes gold mine proposal at Fifteen Mile Stream from one open pit to four: https://www.halifaxexaminer.ca/economy/natural-resources/mining/critics-extremely-concerned-as-st-barbara-changes-gold-mine-proposal-at-fifteen-mile-stream-from-one-open-pit-to-four/
  • Attachment included
  • Mi’kmaw Ecological Knowledge Study Fifteen Mile Stream Gold Development Project by Atlantic Gold Corporation Fifteen Mile Stream, Nova Scotia 1 Mi’kmaw Ecological Knowledge Study Fifteen Mile Stream Gold Development Project by Atlantic Gold Corporation Fifteen Mile Stream, Nova Scotia Mi’kma’ki All Points Services Inc. P.O. Box 63 Shubenacadie, NS, B0N 1W0 Ph.: 902-236-MAPS (6277) Nov. 2018 2 Contents 1. Introduction 4 1.1. Mi’kma’ki All Points Services Inc. 4 1.2. Project Description 4 2. Methodology 7 2.1. Purpose, Scope and Ethics of this MEKS 7 2.2. Definition of Terms 7 2.3. Research Methodology 9 2.4. Limitations 10 2.5. Study Area 11 3. Section I: THE SETTING 11 3.1. The Biophysical Environment 12 3.1.1 Surface Geology 12 3.1.2. Vegetation and Habitats 13 3.2. Project Location Within Mi’kma’ki 14 3.3. Reserve Lands and Specific Claims 15 4. Section II: HISTORIC MI’KMAW LAND USE & OCCUPANCY 16 4.1. Pre-Contact Mi’kmaw Land Use and Occupancy 16 4.2. Post-Contact Mi’kmaw Land Use & Occupancy prior to 1950 20 5. Section III: CONTEMPORARY MI’KMAW LAND AND RESOURCE USES 24 6. Section IV: IMPACTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MITIGATION 30 6.1. Anticipated and Potential Project Impacts on Mi’kmaw Land and Resource Uses 30 6.1.1. Anticipated and Potential Direct Impacts 30 6.1.2. Potential Cumulative Impacts 31 6.2. ...
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Attachment submission

  • Fifteen Mile Stream Gold Project
  • Author: Administrator on behalf of St. Mary's River Association
  • Reference number: 120
  • Submitted: 2021-06-02
  • Good afternoon,   I don't see the submission I sent in as a part of the public consultation process that just occurred.  The submission was from St. Mary's RIver Association.  Can you check into this matter for me please?    letter attached   Thanks, Scott Beaver, PResident, SMRA
  • Attachment included
  • PO Box 179 Sherbrooke NS, B0J3C0 www. stmarysrierassociation.com email: stmarysriver@ns.sympatico.ca _______________________________________________________________________________________ April 26, 2021 Fifteen Mile Stream Gold Project Government of Canada Environmental Assessment Agency Suite 200, 1801 Hollis Street Halifax, N.S. B3J 3N4 To Whom it May Concern; The St. Mary's River Association is a charitable, non-profit organization providing leadership and engaging partners to enhance, protect, and promote the St. Mary's River as a healthy ecosystem for Atlantic salmon and other native animals and plant species, as well as providing a rich community resource. The SMRA is writing to express our concern with the scale of Atlantic Gold’s proposed Twelve Mile Stream Project and to provide input on the scope of the Federal Environmental Assessment. Many rural areas have succumb to various human activities that have degraded the flora and fauna. There have been very few projects in Nova Scotia of the scale of the proposed Fifteen Mile Stream Open Pit Mine and many with a smaller scale and/or footprint have had negative consequences for the surrounding environment. While the proposed “Fifteen Mile Stream” site is just outside the St. Mary’s River watershed, it does create a potential precedent for mining in rural Nova Scotia and more particularly on or near the St. Mary’s River. We understand the desire to utilize our natural resources for long term sustainable economic opportunities in rural Nova Scotia. However, we do not believe that a mine of this scale that only operates for a few years is a sustainable or wise use of Nova Scotia’s natural ...
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Attachment Letter to Atlantic Mining NS Inc.

  • Fifteen Mile Stream Gold Project
  • Author: Administrator on behalf of Native Council of Nova Scotia (NCNS)
  • Reference number: 117
  • Submitted: 2021-05-10
  • Good Afternoon,   Please see attachment of a letter to Mr. James Milard, Manager, Environment and Community, Atlantic Mining NS Onc.   Thank you   Michelle Bernard Receptionist   Maritime Aboriginal Peoples Council
  • Attachment included
  • <Original signed by> <Original signed by> <Original signed by>

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Attachment Fifteen Mile Stream Gold Mine

  • Fifteen Mile Stream Gold Project
  • Author: Stephen Bigelow
  • Reference number: 83
  • Submitted: 2021-05-02 - 2:28 PM
  • I find the application for this project to be atrocious.  The area in question is at the heart of the Liscomb Game Sanctuary. Not only will the waters be poisoned with arsenic for centuries, as other areas of the province, but the daily blasting, excavation,  and transport of ore will certainly drive wildlife from the area. No sanctuary for the wild, endangered, or migratory species. Where will they go? How will they survive if we do not protect them, and ourselves? 

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Attachment Gold Mine disaster

  • Fifteen Mile Stream Gold Project
  • Author: Brenda Witham
  • Reference number: 82
  • Submitted: 2021-05-01 - 10:01 AM
  • We have to filter our arsenic in our well water because of your last frenzy to get at the gold.  I have been to the fifteen mile stream a few times over the years and grew up in the area that is about to be destroyed. I ask myself who is going to clean up the aftermath when they leave.  Where is the money going to come from to fix this?  They say it will be going on for 7? years and will involve using the #7 and other highways to drag out all the gold.  What are people going to say about those trucks going by their houses at all hours?  My biggest question is who in Nova Scotia is going to benefit from this?   The poor wildlife are finished in yet another area of NS.

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Attachment I have seen what this leads to its not pretty

  • Fifteen Mile Stream Gold Project
  • Author: Philip Fougere
  • Reference number: 81
  • Submitted: 2021-05-01 - 9:37 AM
  • This looks like a project that is going to wreak a lot of havoc on nature , are we that fixated of extracting everything and anything that will benefit a small number of people  with menial jobs while the expertise is flown in to make the decisions and enhance the company's bottom line at the expense of the land and the people . I have worked in  Republic of Congo , Nigeria , Camaroon , Brazil and Singapore . I have seen what this type of exploitation leads to and in most cases the results are pretty devastating . Who is going to  foot the bill after the current exploiters make their mess and move on to the next gullible or corrupt or both jurisdictions to carry on their mission which is to make money for shareholders .

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Attachment GOLD MINE

  • Fifteen Mile Stream Gold Project
  • Author: Administrator on behalf of Rita and Phil Crosbie
  • Reference number: 106
  • Submitted: 2021-05-01
  •     Sent from Mail for Windows 10 It is so important that we stop this gold mine. The company is one of the worst corporate citizens imaginable. Here is my comment "It is unacceptable (and unconscionable!) that this gold mine is even being considered for approval. The applicant, Atlantic Gold, is a known polluter and environmentally destructive mine operator with outstanding charges and unfinished environmental hearings in NS where they have disregarded, disobeyed, and flaunted their environmental responsibilities. This irresponsible and dangerous corporate citizen has no less than 32 outstanding charges against them and have proven to Nova Scotians that they cannot be trusted to operate responsibly in our Province. (See here: https://www.saltwire.com/.../atlantic-gold-faces-32.../ ) Indeed, Atlantic Gold has shown it will willingly break the law, whether environmental or criminal, to get what they want. They have shown a gross disregard for the law and for the citizens the law is intended to protect. In 2019 Atlantic Gold hosted a community interest meeting where they illegally called 911 to have the RCMP forcibly remove Mr. John Perkins. The resulting injuries to Mr Perkins led to him filing lawsuits against both Atlantic Gold, their security guard, and the RCMP. This callous disregard for the law, for Nova Scotians, and for the health and safety of citizens further highlights that Atlantic Gold is not the kind of business Nova Scotians want operating in the Province. (See here: https://www.halifaxexaminer.ca/.../roughed-up-by-the.../ ...

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Attachment Liscomb game sanctuary protection

  • Fifteen Mile Stream Gold Project
  • Author: Chad Lumsden
  • Reference number: 80
  • Submitted: 2021-04-30 - 10:28 PM
  • I strongly disagree with the idea of a gold mine in the Liscomb Game Sanctuary having worked around this type of operation before and seeing the harmful effects it has on the land around it there is no need to essentially destroy this beautiful habitat. Nova Scotians shouldn’t be left with the mess of a large scale company that will disappear once they have made their money, while our rivers, lakes and wildlife are suffering the consequences. To go through with this project would be a terrible mistake in a place that is so important to many of us outdoorsman here in Nova Scotia.

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Attachment Fifteen Mile Stream Project is Unduly Reckless

  • Fifteen Mile Stream Gold Project
  • Author: Eastern Shore Forest Watch Association submitted by Lindsay Lee
  • Reference number: 79
  • Submitted: 2021-04-30 - 10:10 PM
  •   In light of the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change, it would be unduly reckless to permit the Fifteen Mile Stream open-pit gold mine to proceed.   The stated purposes of the Nova Scotia Environment Act is to “promote the protection, enhancement and prudent use of the environment” while recognizing goals such as “maintaining environmental protection as essential to the integrity of ecosystems, human health and the socio-economic well-being of society.” Given that this is the very first goal of the Act, please explain why a development with this magnitude of environmental impact should even be considered. Short-term jobs cannot reasonably be used to justify severe and long-lasting environmental damage; as such, the possibility of jobs should not be included in the Proponent’s answer.   Please explain why the Proponent feels it is appropriate to devastate the ecological integrity of the Eastern Shore; short-term jobs cannot reasonably be used to excuse such severe and long-lasting environmental damage.   The sixth mass extinction is an ongoing extinction event, the likes of which has never before been seen in human history. The Center for Biological Diversity reports, “The current rate of extinction of species is estimated at 100 to 1,000 times higher than natural background rates.” The UN warns, “Around 1 million animal and plant species are now threatened with extinction, ...

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Attachment Ecological harms are bad for mental health For short term gains

  • Fifteen Mile Stream Gold Project
  • Author: Pamela Rubin
  • Reference number: 78
  • Submitted: 2021-04-30 - 10:00 PM
  • Sacrificing healthy intact ecological valuable regions For short term gains Comes with hefty costs. One of those costs is the adverse impact on mental health of the people who live in the area and especially who are indigenous to the area. As more Nova Scotians are seized with anxiety over planetary ecocide that threatens all life, the destruction of nature in our own province will further negatively affect our mental health. Destruction of nature especially for gold,  is also part of genocide against indigenous people. It is especially harmful to destroy wetlands and many will be impacted here. 

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Attachment Potential Harm Exceeds Good

  • Fifteen Mile Stream Gold Project
  • Author: Eva Evans
  • Reference number: 77
  • Submitted: 2021-04-30 - 9:12 PM
  • 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 ...

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Attachment No more secretive destruction of the province

  • Fifteen Mile Stream Gold Project
  • Author: Francine Beattie
  • Reference number: 76
  • Submitted: 2021-04-30 - 8:45 PM
  • We do not need any more destructive practices in this province.  We cut down forests in this province for fuel instest of investing in renewable resources, much to our shame.  We have provincial assets being sold to outside developers for a song which will destroy rare, valuable ecosystems, and spread to other ecosystems impacting the livlihoods of people in our province.  We have rare, valuable biodiverse ecosystems within the 15 Mile Stream, that will be destroyed, including what should be protected species.  There is no "may" have an effect, and we all know that.  There is only so much destruction we can take before we don't have a province.   

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Attachment Community health concern

  • Fifteen Mile Stream Gold Project
  • Author: Julie McEachern
  • Reference number: 75
  • Submitted: 2021-04-30 - 8:38 PM
  • Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the proposed Fifteen Mile Stream Project.  The EIA covers issues that are critical to human and environmental health.  Potential impact on climate change, water quality, air quality, noise pollution, and ecosystem damage are important public health concerns.  Indication of elevated arsenic and potentially mercury levels is of concern.  Is it not true that disturbing arsenic-contaminated sediments risks mobilization in ground and surface water?  What impact could this potentially have on long-term public health outcomes given the significant health risk posed by these contaminants?  Important adverse effects are considered but seemingly diminished due to assumed efficacy and reliability of proposed mitigation measures. Is it not true that these measures cannot be assured?  It appears as though future public health and environmental protection would rely on unproven, imperfect mitigation technologies and approaches.  Does the proponent's apparent history of Environment Act violations not significantly call into question the ability to rely on the corporation's due diligence and precaution for ensuring the unwavering adherence to best-practice risk mitigation approaches and standards that would be required to reasonably protect human and environmental health? This consultation process pertains to an important topic, during a time when we are experiencing a new boom in extractive industry growth in Nova Scotia.  The mining industry has shown indication of utilizing strategies to influence public perception, a common tactic outlined within the emerging research ...

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Attachment Comment submitted to the Canadian Impact Assessment Registry and the Provincial Department of Environment and Climate Change regarding the Fifteen Mile Stream Open-pit Goldmine Project (reference number 80152)

  • Fifteen Mile Stream Gold Project
  • Author: Shanni Bale
  • Reference number: 73
  • Submitted: 2021-04-30 - 7:18 PM
  • Submission included in .PDF upload attached herein.
  • Attachment included
  • Comment submitted to the Canadian Impact Assessment Registry and the Provincial Department of Environment and Climate Change regarding the Fifteen Mile Stream Open-pit Goldmine Project (reference number 80152) Introduction My name is Shanni Bale. I have a master’s degree in landscape ecology and conservation GIS from Dalhousie University and an honours undergraduate degree in biology from Acadia university. I have also devoted many years of both my professional and personal life to biodiversity conservation. As a nature lover and resident of Nova Scotia, I am deeply concerned with the pending development of an open-pit goldmine at Fifteen Mile Stream. While Atlantic Gold, the multinational corporation that submitted the proposal for the Fifteen Mile Stream Mine Project (and is behind the development of other open-pit mines in the area), is engaged in a vast greenwashing campaign to convince the federal government, provincial government, and Nova Scotian citizens that their proposed mine will be ecological sustainable, reading Atlantic Gold’s own Environmental Impact Statement1 and Project Report2 makes clear that this mine will in fact be devastating on local ecology, on surface and groundwater quality, and on Nova Scotia’s greenhouse gas reduction emissions targets. The proposed location of the Fifteen Mile Stream open-pit goldmine is in the middle of the Liscomb Game Sanctuary, an area that is so environmentally sensitive that hunting is not even permitted (Figure 1). It is also within the vicinity of numerous wilderness areas and nature reserves, thereby affecting habitat connectivity, the loss of which is widely accepted to be among the biggest drivers of species ...
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Attachment Not a critical mineral

  • Fifteen Mile Stream Gold Project
  • Author: NA submitted by Elisabeth Kosters
  • Reference number: 72
  • Submitted: 2021-04-30 - 7:04 PM
  • LS I only found out about this opportunity to comment this evening, shortly before the 30 April deadline. Hence i have no opportunity to read these documents in detail, but I have read a lot about these plans in recent months and I'm a geologist with nearly 50 years training and experience, so I believe that I have the right to be heard.  As the world is decarbonizing in order to reduce emissions and prevent the worst of man-made climate change effects, our economies are shifting away from fossil fuel based resources into electricity based resources. This shift is causing a huge shift in the demand of earth resources. Suddenly we need lithium for powering batteries, for example.  We need other minerals too. Cobalt and Nickel are also essential for batteries. Copper is essential for wiring. Aluminum for building wind turbines. Silicate (sand) for solar panels. Etc.  Do we need gold? No. Gold is not considered a critical mineral. Natural Resources Canada is clear about this: https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/our-natural-resources/minerals-mining/critical-minerals/23414. And the much bigger United States Geological Survey doesn't list gold either as a critical mineral: https://pubs.er.usgs.gov/publication/pp1802 An extraordinary amount of gold is used for jewelry. Then there's a large amount of gold that's held as bullion by central banks - a rather baffling habit, to be honest. Together, these two uses amount to nearly 90% of all gold used worldwide. In other words, it's a luxury item. We don't really need it.  Canada has huge reserves of gold, most of it in Quebec where it's mined below ground. If we must mine this earth, ...

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Attachment Comment on FMS Mine proposal EIS

  • Fifteen Mile Stream Gold Project
  • Author: Dalhousie University submitted by Karen Beazley
  • Reference number: 70
  • Submitted: 2021-04-30 - 6:45 PM
  • 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.  I have significant concerns with the project as a whole. I question the wisdom of considering or approving a project that despite any or all mitigation measures will substantially degrade Nova Scotia’s lands, waters and wildlife. Though there are many concerns that I address, the primary ones are related to loss of species at risk and of concern and their habitat, along with broader degration of habitat from edge and fragmentation effects, both directly related to the project itself and to its indirect and cummulative effects. Specifically, I have grave concerns related to impacts on the provincially critically endangered Mainland moose. I urge that the project not be approved. Gold is not a critical resource. Any benefits will be short short term and concentrated in the hands of a few. Environmental degradation is permanent and a lost legacy for all. Rejecting the project would better serve committments to biodiversity conservation, climate resilience and social equity, thereby helping to address three interrelated existential crises that we now face. I also wish to express support for the rights the Mi'kmaq in this process of decision making on and about their unceded ...
  • Attachment included
  • 1 Comment on Fifteen Mile Stream Gold Mine Project submitted by Atlantic Mining NS Inc Karen Beazley, Professor, Resource and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie University; citizen of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada B3H 4P5 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. Before addressing specific items from the EIS, I first wish to express significant concerns with the project as a whole. In terms of the big picture, I question the wisdom of considering or approving a project that despite any or all mitigation measures will substantially degrade Nova Scotia’s lands, waters and wildlife for the purpose of enriching a foreign multinational corporation and its stockholders. St Barbara Limited is an Australian based, ASX 200 company, which signifies that it is one of the 200 largest stocks (companies ranging in size from ~$380 million to over $100 billion) listed on Australia’s primary stock market index. Gold is not a critically important mineral. Mining is temporary but the environmental degradation is forever. I urge Federal and Provincial decision-makers to reject this project proposal. Instead, encourage and support small, local community-based and value-added projects that are environmentally and socially sustainable in terms of biodiversity, climate and justice issues, thereby addressing, rather than exacerbating, these three inter-related, existential and life-threatening crises with which humanity and the earth is currently faced. ...
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Attachment 15 Mile Stream open gold mine

  • Fifteen Mile Stream Gold Project
  • Author: Bonnie McCarron
  • Reference number: 69
  • Submitted: 2021-04-30 - 6:17 PM
  • I am strongly opposed to this development...seems like another example of corporate greed Nova Scotia has a finite number of untouched natural forest and stream areas and I feel it totally unnecessary to have this development come and go in 7 short years...no long term employment to be gained from it and destruction of forest, streams and rivers as an end result. As a landowner in this area and avid outdoorsman I am strongly opposed!

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Attachment Conservation

  • Fifteen Mile Stream Gold Project
  • Author: Cale McCarron
  • Reference number: 67
  • Submitted: 2021-04-30 - 5:52 PM
  • Nova Scotia has made plenty of efforts towards protecting its natural lands and wildlife. This would be a huge step backwards for the progress made it helping our endangered mainland moose and Atlantic salmon. This also would ruin many forest lands that have took decades to create. Nature is a large part of what and who Nova Scotia is in this country. We need to do all we can to protect this land. The liscomb game sanctuary is one of the most outstanding places in this country. It's an excellent government mandidated protection that we are jeopardizing. Same the sanctuary.

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Attachment Strongly Opposed to this Project

  • Fifteen Mile Stream Gold Project
  • Author: Daniel McCarron
  • Reference number: 65
  • Submitted: 2021-04-30 - 5:22 PM
  • I am strongly opposed to this project. Nova Scotia has a finite amount of untouched wilderness and we are destroying it with projects like this. This is not a permenant source of jobs & income, it is temporary. The land will never be fully restored to its natural being if this project were to proceed. The negative impact to the environment and wildlife is not worth it. Please consider denying to approval of this project.

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Attachment Why This Project Should Not Proceed

  • Fifteen Mile Stream Gold Project
  • Author: Carolyn Pineau
  • Reference number: 63
  • Submitted: 2021-04-30 - 4:11 PM
  • This proposed project is planning to be located in a very environmentally sensitive area.  It is rich in wetlands and biodiversity.  For example, it contains the Nova Scotia provincial Blue Felt Lichen as well as other rare lichens.  The company states that it will MOVE this lichen!  This has never been attempted before and so there is no proof that this can be done successfully.  Even more importantly, there were 28 observations of the endangered mainland moose in the proposed area.  There is no mention by the company that the moose shelter sites will be avoided and this will put the already critically endangered moose at risk!  Further, eighty-nine species of migratory birds were observed at the proposed site.  Any noise from the creation and operation of this mine will have adverse effects on these birds, and even though the company states that it will mitigate this, I do not believe it will do so sufficiently enough to spare most of the bird populations. The company states that it will alter 336 wetlands!  This is totally unacceptable!  Globally, over 64% of wetlands have been lost due to human activity.  In these wetlands, there have been eight species at risk observed.  I believe that any mechanical activity in these areas will be detrimental to these species. In conclusion, I believe that the approval for this mine should definitely not be granted - there are too many species at risk that may be destroyed forever!

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Attachment please reconsider this mine

  • Fifteen Mile Stream Gold Project
  • Author: Claire Nowlan
  • Reference number: 62
  • Submitted: 2021-04-30 - 3:43 PM
  • I must say I object to having to disclose my bank password in order to leave a comment. I feel this will discourage other people to leave comments on this project. I am a family physician with a cottage on the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia, and a proud member of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment. I worry that a project such as this will cause irreparable damage to our environment. You only need to look at the $400 million cleanup required for the Sydney Tar Ponds. Industry polluted, made some short term profit, and then walked away. Government only cared about short term employment when they approved the Sydney steel mill. Government vision needs to be more far sighted.

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Attachment Fifteen Mile Stream proposed gold mine project.

  • Fifteen Mile Stream Gold Project
  • Author: Sydnee McKay
  • Reference number: 61
  • Submitted: 2021-04-30 - 3:35 PM
  • We have clear-cutting, spraying of cancer-causing glyphosate, blocking of Avon River, salt brine into Shubenacadie River by Alton Gas, destruction of Owls Head Provincial Park and so much more. Do not approve another ecological and environmental disaster here in Nova Scotia. Our province cannot handle any more destruction. Please start respecting the land that our ancestors left in our hands to look after or we will be forever sorry. Once all our resources are used up and given away, we will not be able to eat money. Enough is enough. Put your heads together and find a way to save this province and stop destroying. We need clean water; this proposal will hurt our water systems that we so much depend on. Water is life.

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Attachment Stop Gold Mining in NS

  • Fifteen Mile Stream Gold Project
  • Author: Lewis Page
  • Reference number: 57
  • Submitted: 2021-04-30 - 2:06 PM
  • As a property owner on the Eastern Shore, an avid fisher and an overall concerned Nova Scotian I want to see gold mining in NS eradicated before we completely eradicate our natural environment. Fifteen Mile Stream, one of four open pit gold mines proposed by Atlantic Gold on Nova Scotia's Eastern Shore will have long-term, negative, irreversible consequences in exchange for marginal, short-term gains by a foreign entity. The project at Fifteen Mile Stream proposes the disruption of 336 associated wetlands, the rechanneling of Sealoam Brook and the excavation and removal of millions of tons or arsenic laden rock ore containing arguably insignificant gold concentrations. The impact will be devastating to the immediate vicinity of the mine and the surrounding watershed, an impact that will be irreversible. Arlantic Gold's existing Torquoy mine at Moose River is an excellent case study providing evidence of the misguided thinking to allow further mining in NS. Atlantic Gold has 32 "known" infractions at Moose River, infractions which are sure to multiply at Moose River, Fifteen Mile, Beaver Dam and Cochrane Hill. Gold is extract from ore at Moose River using a cyanide leaching process. Inadequate containment of cyanide leachate risks spilling into the surrounding watershed with potentially devastating results to flora and fauna.   Atlantic Gold plans to transport ore from Fifteen Mile, Beaver Dam and Cochrane Hill via Highway 7 and a new, proposed haul road between Highway 224 and the Mooseland Road for processing/extraction. This stockpiling and added extraction activity will multiply environmental risks at Moose River significantly. In addition the frequent ...

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Attachment Protect Nova Scotia Birds

  • Fifteen Mile Stream Gold Project
  • Author: Nova Scotia Bird Society submitted by Diane LeBlanc
  • Reference number: 53
  • Submitted: 2021-04-30 - 8:15 AM
  • A recent meta-analysis indicated that North America has lost 3 billion birds since 1970, with the most alarming declines in species that inhabit forested areas (Rosenburg et al., Science Sept., 2019).  Unfortunately, Nova Scotia is seeing this decline as evidenced by the growing list of birds included in Nova Scotia’s list of species at risk.  Currently, there are 17 bird species at risk of extirpation from the province.  Virtually all of these bird species are migratory and are therefore protected by the Migratory Bird Convention Act (MBCA).     The Nova Scotia Bird Society (NSBS) has been directly involved in conservation efforts for more than 65 years. Recently, the NSBS has become even more determined to protect birds and their habitats before it is too late to prevent extirpation or extinction.  To this end, we are writing in regard to the recent proposal to establish a gold mine at Fifteen Mile Stream.   In reading the environmental impact assessment, it is clear that the survey methods used to estimate birds at Fifteen Mile Stream are not robust. That is, the number of surveys conducted (two to three per season) is inadequate ...

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Attachment SuNNS Comments on Fifteen Mile Stream

  • Fifteen Mile Stream Gold Project
  • Author: Sustainable Northern Nova Scotia (SuNNS) submitted by Carol Ferguson
  • Reference number: 52
  • Submitted: 2021-04-30 - 7:16 AM
  •     Sustainable Northern Nova Scotia (SuNNS) is responding to the invitation by The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada for public comment on the potential environmental effects of the proposal by Atlantic Gold for the “…construction, operation, decommissioning and reclamation of an open-pit gold mine located approximately 95 kilometres northeast of Halifax, Nova Scotia. As proposed, the Fifteen Mile Stream Gold Project would include open pits, stockpiles, materials storage, crushing and concentrator facilities, water management and treatment infrastructure, mine haul roads, and an above-ground tailings management facility. Ore would be crushed and concentrated on site to produce a gold concentrate that would be hauled to Touquoy Mine for final processing, a distance of 76 kilometres on existing public roads.”   SuNNS is a group of concerned citizens on the North Shore of Nova Scotia committed to sustainable, locally driven community and economic development. The society formed in 2018 in response to a proposal by the Department of Natural Resources to solicit exploration for gold in the French River Watershed, the sole drinking water source for the village of Tatamagouche.  SuNNS would raise the following concerns with respect to the proposed Fifteen Mile Stream Gold Project.  Incomplete Scope of the Environmental Impact Assessment The proposed Fifteen Mile Stream Gold Project is not a stand alone project and should not be assessed as such.  The 250 hectare open pit mine is one piece of a much larger project, Atlantic Gold’s Moose River Consolidated Project,  which ...

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Attachment Yet another kick in the teeth to Nova Scotia's environment

  • Fifteen Mile Stream Gold Project
  • Author: Beverley Wigney
  • Reference number: 51
  • Submitted: 2021-04-30 - 7:05 AM
  • It will be a sad day for Nova Scotia if yet another ill-conceived natural resource extraction project receives the rubber stamp of approval -- especially this one.  Does anyone even consider the extent of the impact of such a large project on such a small province?  One need only look at a map to see how much impact this mine will have on the complex and fragile network of streams, rivers and wetlands in this region.  Let us not forget that this is also an area that is struggling to recover from being terribly savaged by industrial forestry for the past few decades and is already a chopped up patchwork of clearcuts in all but the most protected of areas.  The land is still in recovery and hardly able to bear more abuse.  Please take the time to put up a recent satellite view and you will soon see how that area of the province has already paid a very steep price to fill the coffers of the forest industry.  Must is now be further savaged to fill the coffers of an off-shore mining company -- one which according to some reports, appears to have a less than stellar environmental record?   That area of the province is home to many Species At Risk that have been heroically "hanging on" through  the past decades of forest devastation.  How do you suppose they will survive through this next onslaught?  First you wipe out the forests, then you disrupt the natural function of the watershed and wetlands of that region while also creating the industrial mayhem of heavy truck traffic which will only bring death from roadkill to the wildlife, along with the dynamiting and excavation creating noise, dust and pollution.  The chance for survival is looking very ...

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Attachment Comment from member of the public concerning the Fifteen Mile Stream Gold Project (Christina Hudgins)

  • Fifteen Mile Stream Gold Project
  • Author: Administrator on behalf of Christina Hudgins
  • Reference number: 104
  • Submitted: 2021-04-30
  • I think that we should be protecting wetlands, precious eco systems and wildlife not destroying it!  Sad watching plant and wildlife disappear and become extinct.  Always seems to be so the rich can get richer, destroying out beautiful province does not benefit Nova Scotians.                          Christina Hudgins 

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Attachment Comments on EIS Reports 15 Mile Stream Proposed Gold Mine

  • Fifteen Mile Stream Gold Project
  • Author: Administrator on behalf of Peter Lund
  • Reference number: 98
  • Submitted: 2021-04-30
  • Please find attached my comments. I removed my signature to ensure privacy. If you would like me to add back my electronic signature, let me know and I can resend. Thank you, Peter Lund <personal information removed>
  • Attachment included
  • April 29, 2021 Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency Re: Comments on EIS Reports Proposed 15 Mile Stream Gold Mine, NS Herein are my comments and concerns regarding the EIS reports: 1. It is stated in the reports that “no water treatment facility will be constructed unless needed” and that the “current modeling does not predict the need for water treatment during the closure phase.” It is stated though that “ARD can begin in 6-15 years,” which is obviously during the post closure period. As the buffering capacity is depleted, the concentrations of dissolved metals will increase as the pH progressively lowers. The proponent needs to stay committed (in writing) beyond the 15-20 years they are currently committed to post-closure in the EIS documents, to ensuring that any required treatment and monitoring stays in place for decades following mine closure. As well, if the proponent’s company is sold in the future, the purchaser must assume and uphold the regulatory imposed conditions for this site. 2. In Section 6.4.4, it is stated that the “predicted residual effects of the Project are assessed to be adverse but not significant”, considering there will be treatment of water and erosion / sediment controls in place if required. Better clarification of this statement is required, in my opinion, as to Proponent’s definition of “adverse” and “significant”, particularly since the word significant is subjective. 3. The method of water discharge treatment to the receiving environment is not provided, nor is the timeframe to construct/install and begin to operate once it is known that treatment is required, which in my opinion is highly likely. Hopefully lime treatment with settling ponds is not ...
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Attachment Fifteen Mile Stream EIS Response

  • Fifteen Mile Stream Gold Project
  • Author: Administrator on behalf of Lindsay Lee
  • Reference number: 107
  • Submitted: 2021-04-30
  • To Whom It May Concern, Here is my submission for the Fifteen Mile Stream Gold Project (Reference Number 80152).  Please let me know if you need any further information from me.  Thank you. Sincerely, Lindsay Lee
  • Attachment included
  • 1 Fifteen Mile Stream Mine - Environmental Impact Statement Response Lindsay Lee April 30, 2021 In light of the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change, it would be unduly reckless to permit the Fifteen Mile Stream open-pit gold mine to proceed. The stated purposes of the Nova Scotia Environment Act is to “promote the protection, enhancement and prudent use of the environment” while recognizing goals such as “maintaining environmental protection as essential to the integrity of ecosystems, human health and the socio-economic well-being of society.” Given that this is the very first goal of the Act, please explain why a development with this magnitude of environmental impact should even be considered. Short-term jobs cannot reasonably be used to justify severe and long-lasting environmental damage; as such, the possibility of jobs should not be included in the Proponent’s answer. Please explain why the Proponent feels it is appropriate to devastate the ecological integrity of the Eastern Shore; short-term jobs cannot reasonably be used to excuse such severe and long-lasting environmental damage. The sixth mass extinction is an ongoing extinction event, the likes of which has never before been seen in human history. The Center for Biological Diversity reports, “The current rate of extinction of species is estimated at 100 to 1,000 times higher than natural background rates.” The UN warns, “Around 1 million animal and plant species are now threatened with extinction, many within decades, more than ever before in human history.” Please use the precautionary principle to accurately assess and prevent the loss of biodiversity that this project would cause. Why does the ...
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Attachment do not approve Fifteen Mile Stream Project

  • Fifteen Mile Stream Gold Project
  • Author: Administrator on behalf of Madeline Conacher
  • Reference number: 102
  • Submitted: 2021-04-30
  • My name is Madeline Conacher and I live on the north shore of NS near Tatamagouche.  I am submitting a comment because I am very concerned about the plight of the environment in NS and the seeming lack of concern by the NS government. I have read alot about gold mining and we need to stop this kind of development in NS immediately. My concerns  - The Fifteen Mile Steam Gold project is part of larger project - 4 gold mines in the Sherbrook area.They are all connected and any assessment should take in the impact of all four projects. - Atlantic Golds past record  - AG has been charged with numerous environmental conditions.  These past infractions show that AG can not be trusted to meet future environmental conditions so the project should not be approved  - Past promises - the predecessor to AG promised to procure by 2012 a 256 conservation area to compensate for past envir. destruction. This has not happened.  On their past record of not meeting commitments - they should not be approved for 15 mile. - Royalties - AG has provided very little $ in tax royalties to NS government - it proves that it is not a a good business descision for NS . The profits & benefits go the gold mining company  and NS is left with any possible environmental cleanup. So...not a good business deciison.  - Tailings and waste need to be cared for - for ever - what proof has AG provided tha they will be there for future generations when accidents happen.Just look to Mount Polley in BC where the tax payers were left with a $50 million dollar cleanup. How long will AG be around to clean up any messes ? - NS has environmental ...

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Attachment public comment

  • Fifteen Mile Stream Gold Project
  • Author: Administrator on behalf of Trudi Rhynold
  • Reference number: 105
  • Submitted: 2021-04-30
  • Fifteen Mile Stream public comments: Good afternoon, I am writing as an independent concerned citizen of & for NS. Exploration for gold/silver is currently happening in my community's watershed in eastern Pictou County. This mining activity led me to research gold mining further so as to understand the potential benefits and / or threats of gold mining. What I learned is: Nova Scotia is clearly deemed a “mining friendly” jurisdiction Atlantic Gold is quite eager to expand their cheap production of concentrated shiny bits of rocks from scattered places across the provincial landscape Globally, gold mining is considered quite environmentally destructive (https://www.earthworks.org/publications/us_gold_mines_spills_failures/ ) Historically, mining is an exceptionally socially irresponsible industry ( http://mcgillleftreview.com/article/whats-yours-mined-confronting-abuses-canadian-mining-industry, https://static1.squarespace.com/static/571f8d69d51cd4590b8328fa/t/5d6f36781f0e4c0001145b5a/1567569534257/Power+Report.pdf ) . Nova Scotia ecosystems were/are negatively affected by historic gold production. Multiple contaminated sites continue to contribute to the acidification of provincial rivers and streams daily. The government has been lapse in addressing this fact. ( ...

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