Salt Springs Natural Gas Power Generation Facility Project

Attachment Fast Acting Natural Gas Power Generation Facility – Salt Springs, Pictou County

• Salt Springs Natural Gas Power Generation Facility Project
• Author: Administrator on behalf of The Mi’kmaq Nation
• Reference number: 46
• Submitted: 2026-02-10 - 8:11 AM
• Project phase: Planning
• Participation notice: Public notice - Comments invited on the summaries of the Initial Project Descriptions and funding available
• See the attached submission / Veuillez consulter la pièce jointe  
• Attachment included
• Page 1 of 6 February 9, 2026 Jeremy Higgins Environmental Assessment Officer Environmental Assessment Branch Nova Scotia Environment and Climate Change jeremy.higgins@novascotia.ca Mr. Higgins, Re: Fast Acting Natural Gas Power Generation Facility – Salt Springs, Pictou County I write in response to your letter dated December 22, 2025, in which the province has declined to adhere to its consultation obligations pursuant to the Constitution Act, 1982 and the Terms of Reference for a Mi’kmaq-Nova Scotia-Canada Consultation Process (ToR) as ratified on August 31, 2010, on the above noted project. This letter will also serve as a response to the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada’s (IAAC) letter dated January 5, 2026. It is our expectation that Consultation will be forthcoming. With this Environmental Assessment being “engaged” on alongside the federal IAAC assessment being conducted in parallel, it is disappointing there is no offer to consult at this time and being classified as “engagement”. The Mi’kmaq Nation in Nova Scotia has a general interest in all lands and resources in Nova Scotia as the Mi’kmaq Nation has never surrendered, ceded, or sold the Aboriginal title to any of its lands in Nova Scotia. The Mi’kmaq claim title to all of Nova Scotia and as co-owners of the land and its resources it is expected that any potential impacts to rights and title shall be addressed. Contrary to the statement in your previous letter that “the nature of this project is not likely to lead to appreciable adverse impacts to credibly asserted or established Mi’kmaq Aboriginal or Treaty rights,” it is the understanding of the Kwilmu’kw Maw-Klusuaqn (KMK) ...

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Attachment CIAR, Information Request Salt Springs Natural Gas Power Generation Facility Project

• Salt Springs Natural Gas Power Generation Facility Project
• Author: Administrator on behalf of Nicole Corrado
• Reference number: 51
• Submitted: 2026-02-09 - 11:57 PM
• Project phase: Planning
• Participation notice: Public notice - Comments invited on the summaries of the Initial Project Descriptions and funding available
• Please switch to renewable energy projects. ???I noticed a lot of wildlife live here. ?????Please preserve the trees at this location. Please do not harm animals with this project. Please do not use animal testing for pollution and effluent monitoring. https://www.change.org/p/stop-testing-sewer-water-on-laboratory-fish ?Please work with the Canadian Centre for the Alternatives to Animal Methods. https://www.uwindsor.ca/ccaam/ Please only use non lethal ways to live with geese, beavers, and other wildlife. Develop a Living With Coyotes program with the animal welfare organization Coyote Watch Canada. www.coyotewatchcanada.com (http://www.coyotewatchcanada.com) Please only use non lethal ways to manage wildlife. There are humane, non lethal ways to deal with beavers. Here's a great resource. https://thefurbearers.com/downloads/PDFs/Beaver%20Book%20-%202019-10-08%20The%20Fur-Bearers.pdf?fbclid=IwAR1fP2wOYQKbWREX0E5QzYBhZLf9VjwMov3p37Vh8ToW1-NeQvAoVATZhEg%0A%0A https://www.change.org/p/stop-banff-from-killing-animals-after-conflicts https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/humanely-scare-away-canada-geese https://www.canadageese.org/nlcontrol.html https://www.peta.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/humane-goose-control-pdf.pdf https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/what-do-about-canada-geese This company makes non lethal products. https://margosupplies.com/ca-en/ ? Conventional rodent control uses cruel methods. The companies use glue traps, and snap traps, which, like legholds, can cause injury. They also use rodenticide, which kills slowly and kills many non target ...

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Attachment Switch to renewable

• Salt Springs Natural Gas Power Generation Facility Project
• Author: Nicole Corrado
• Reference number: 44
• Submitted: 2026-02-09 - 11:56 PM
• Project phase: Planning
• Participation notice: Public notice - Comments invited on the summaries of the Initial Project Descriptions and funding available
• ?Please switch to renewable energy projects.  ???I noticed a lot of wildlife live here.  ?????Please preserve the trees at this location. Please do not harm animals with this project. Please do not use animal testing for pollution and effluent monitoring. https://www.change.org/p/stop-testing-sewer-water-on-laboratory-fish ?Please work with the Canadian Centre for the Alternatives to Animal Methods. https://www.uwindsor.ca/ccaam/ Please only use non lethal ways to live with geese, beavers, and other wildlife. Develop a Living With Coyotes program with the animal welfare organization Coyote Watch Canada. www.coyotewatchcanada.com Please only use non lethal ways to manage wildlife. There are humane, non lethal ways to deal with beavers. Here's a great resource. https://thefurbearers.com/downloads/PDFs/Beaver%20Book%20-%202019-10-08%20The%20Fur-Bearers.pdf?fbclid=IwAR1fP2wOYQKbWREX0E5QzYBhZLf9VjwMov3p37Vh8ToW1-NeQvAoVATZhEg%0A%0A https://www.change.org/p/stop-banff-from-killing-animals-after-conflicts https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/humanely-scare-away-canada-geese https://www.canadageese.org/nlcontrol.html https://www.peta.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/humane-goose-control-pdf.pdf https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/what-do-about-canada-geese This company makes non lethal products. https://margosupplies.com/ca-en/ ? Conventional rodent control uses cruel methods. The companies use glue traps, and snap traps, which, like legholds, can cause injury. They also use rodenticide, which kills slowly and kills many non target ...

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Attachment Planning for the future

• Salt Springs Natural Gas Power Generation Facility Project
• Author: Andrew Stout
• Reference number: 43
• Submitted: 2026-02-09 - 10:38 PM
• Project phase: Planning
• Participation notice: Public notice - Comments invited on the summaries of the Initial Project Descriptions and funding available
• Yes, we need to have the ability to respond to peak demand when wind and solar are not available. Yes, we need to improve our grid ties with other provinces to allow import of renewable energy when needed. Yes, we need grid scale battery systems with the technology to supply a large portion of the peak power needs in tight situations. Yes, we need to maximize our renewable power opportunities including biogass from landfill sites. No, we don't need to develop new Fossil Gas plants that tie us into a darker future with adverce climate impact for 30 or more years. We need to pursure all available clean alternatives to fossil fuels. Thank you!

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Attachment Sierra Club Canada Comments on the proposed Salt Springs Natural Gas Power Generation Facility Project, Ref. No. 90114

• Salt Springs Natural Gas Power Generation Facility Project
• Author: Administrator on behalf of Sierra Club Canada Foundation
• Reference number: 50
• Submitted: 2026-02-09 - 10:37 PM
• Project phase: Planning
• Participation notice: Public notice - Comments invited on the summaries of the Initial Project Descriptions and funding available
• See the attached submission / Veuillez consulter la pièce jointe  
• Attachment included
• Comments on the Salt Springs Natural Gas Power Generation Facility Project, Ref. No. 90114 February 9, 2026 Executive Summary Sierra Club Canada Foundation (SCCF) is a national environmental organization dedicated to advancing climate protection, safeguarding public health, and conserving biodiversity. SCCF has a longstanding interest in the assessment of large-scale fossil fuel infrastructure, particularly where such projects risk undermining climate commitments, increasing public health burdens, or fragmenting ecosystems. Sierra Club Canada Foundation submits this comment to the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) regarding the proposed Salt Springs Natural Gas Power Generation Facility (the Project) in Pictou County, Nova Scotia. Sierra Club respectfully submits that the Project should not be screened out of a comprehensive federal impact assessment under the Impact Assessment Act. The Environmental Assessment Registration Document (EARD) does not provide sufficient evidence to justify a screening-out determination. Across several key areas—project need, alternatives, climate change, human health, wetlands, species at risk, water resources, and cumulative effects—the EARD relies on narrow analyses that downplay risk, defer critical questions, and assume negative impacts are either acceptable or unavoidable. The proponent asserts that the Project is necessary to ensure electricity system reliability as coal-fired generation is phased out and renewable energy is added to the grid. But the EARD seems to assume a fossil gas solution is the only way forward, without showing why non-emitting solutions won’t work. Where need is just asserted, not proven, screening-out the project ...

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Attachment Concerned and hopeful

• Salt Springs Natural Gas Power Generation Facility Project
• Author: Danny Cameron
• Reference number: 42
• Submitted: 2026-02-09 - 10:24 PM
• Project phase: Planning
• Participation notice: Public notice - Comments invited on the summaries of the Initial Project Descriptions and funding available
• I have mixed feeling about these natural gas plants. I would prefer no fossil fuels but when it's a huge difference compared to coal and the timeline involved, it's hard to argue. However, there are significant concerns that I don't feel have been properly addressed/researched yet to make an informed decision if you're the government that is, anytime soon. I know we're under the gun for 2030 but we have to get this right if it's going to be done here and or in Salt Springs. I will copy and paste a document that I wrote-up and had touched-up a bit by AI for reading clarity: Marshdale Natural Gas Plant – Community and Environmental Concerns In regard to water: Summer 2025 produced a significant drought in our area. The East River flowing through Stellarton was so low that rocks were visible above the water — something I cannot recall seeing in my 39 years living here. We experienced several consecutive weeks without rain. Drilling is taking place at depths of approximately 500 metres. Based on publicly available information, it is unclear where groundwater at this depth ultimately discharges. Water must flow somewhere. Even in the absence of a known surface stream or conduit leading from the proposed site to the East River, subsurface connections cannot be ruled out. Has any groundwater tracing or monitoring (for example, tracer studies) been considered to determine where this water ultimately ends up? The water used at the site is converted to steam. Can this steam be captured, condensed, and reused — for example, to support or restore nearby marshes? Even if groundwater is accessed at depth, removing this volume of water ...

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Attachment Where is MLA support.

• Salt Springs Natural Gas Power Generation Facility Project
• Author: Janna McCullough
• Reference number: 41
• Submitted: 2026-02-09 - 10:21 PM
• Project phase: Planning
• Participation notice: Public notice - Comments invited on the summaries of the Initial Project Descriptions and funding available
• I am writing to formally oppose the proposed natural gas and diesel power plant development in Salt Springs, Nova Scotia. My family has deep roots and land in this area, and we are extremely concerned about the environmental, health, and long-term community impacts of this project. The introduction of a natural gas and diesel facility in a rural residential region raises serious questions about air quality, water safety, noise pollution, and ecosystem disruption. Local residents have taken it upon themselves to complete extensive independent research on this project. Community members have already submitted numerous evidence-based concerns outlining why this development is neither financially beneficial to the region nor environmentally responsible. These concerns include long-term economic risk and environmental degradation. Despite this significant community effort, it has been deeply concerning to witness the lack of informed engagement from local MLAs, whose responsibility is to represent and protect the areas they serve. Public statements and discussions to date suggest limited knowledge of the project’s potential risks, including an inability to answer direct questions regarding environmental impacts to the surrounding area. Furthermore, a scheduled meeting intended to discuss this project with residents was cancelled at the last minute, removing a critical opportunity for transparent dialogue. There has been no meaningful effort to reschedule or facilitate open, informed discussion with the dozens of homeowners and families who have expressed serious concern about this development. The local MLAs are prioritizing alignment with the political party they represent ...

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Attachment Environmental Concerns pertaining to the Salt Springs Natural Gas Power Generation Facility

• Salt Springs Natural Gas Power Generation Facility Project
• Author: Ecology Action Centre
• Reference number: 40
• Submitted: 2026-02-09 - 9:09 PM
• Project phase: Planning
• Participation notice: Public notice - Comments invited on the summaries of the Initial Project Descriptions and funding available
• Attached is the Ecology Action Centre's submission to the Impact Assessment agency re the Salt Springs Natural Gas Power Generation Facility.
• Attachment included
• The Ecology Action Centre is concerned about the development of the proposed Salt Springs Gas Power Generation Facility (Gas Plant). These gas plants will not support decarbonization and ultimately limit environmental progress. Our comments are based upon the EA Registration Documents for the proposed project at Salt Springs 1) The proponent – IESO – is a non-for profit responsible for the planning and reliable operation of Nova Scotia’s bulk electricity system. Whereas the purpose of EA is to promote sustainable development by protecting and conserving the environment, the EAC seeks to identify and assess adverse effects on the environment. The involvement of NGOs and the general public is crucial to achieve this goal, and the EAC appreciates the opportunity to engage with the IESO on the construction of gas plants. The Proponent’s Guide to Environmental Assessment notes that “in certain circumstances, special consultations may be held with First Nations.” The EAC urges the proponent to engage in the aforementioned special consultations given the relative proximity of both projects to Pictou Landing First Nation, and the history of environmental racism in Nova Scotia. Nova Scotia environment minister Iain Rankin has referred to decades of effluent dumping in Boat Harbor as one of the worst cases of environmental racism in Canada, and it is important that both the proponent and the Department of Environment and Climate Change (NSECC) ensure that the consultation process for the EA is perceived as legitimate by the general public and Mi’kmaq people specifically. Every opportunity should be taken to consult with First Nations, and we strongly believe special consultation is warranted as the ...

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Attachment Physicians' comments on proposed Nova Scotia gas plants

• Salt Springs Natural Gas Power Generation Facility Project
• Author: Administrator on behalf of Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment – Nova Scotia
• Reference number: 48
• Submitted: 2026-02-09 - 8:50 PM
• Project phase: Planning
• Participation notice: Public notice - Comments invited on the summaries of the Initial Project Descriptions and funding available
• See the attached submission / Veuillez consulter la pièce jointe  
• Attachment included
• Impact Assessment Agency of Canada 200-1801 Hollis Street Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 3N4 Marshdale Natural Gas Power Generation Facility Project Project reference number: 90111 Email: Marshdale@iaac-aeic.gc.ca Salt Springs Natural Gas Power Generation Facility Project Email: SaltSprings@iaac-aeic.gc.ca Project reference number: 90114 Environmental Assessment Branch Department of Environment and Climate Change PO Box 442 Halifax, NS, B3J 2P8 Email: ea@novascotia.ca; EA@gov.ns.ca February 9, 2026 RE: Fast Acting Natural Gas Power Generation Facility – Marshdale and Salt Springs As physicians and healthcare providers representing the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE) in Nova Scotia, we are submitting our concerns regarding the proposed fast-acting natural gas power generation facilities for Marshdale and Salt Springs in Pictou County, submitted by IESO Nova Scotia. CAPE is a national non-partisan, physician-led organization with over 36,000 supporters and regional committees in 9 provinces, including Nova Scotia. We bring an evidence-based and health-focused approach to the intersecting issues of environment, health, and social justice. For the purposes of this submission, CAPE Nova Scotia will address and refute the proponent’s assumption that the construction and operation of these 300 MW gas power generating facilities in Marshdale— for a minimum of 30 years—pose negligible risk to the health and wellbeing of Nova Scotians. 1 What Is Natural Gas? While the industry frequently uses the term "natural gas" to suggest a clean or organic energy source, this phrasing is a marketing descriptor rather than a scientific one. From a medical ...

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Attachment Sipekne'katik First Nation Comments on Salt Springs Natural Gas Power Generation Project

• Salt Springs Natural Gas Power Generation Facility Project
• Author: Administrator on behalf of Sipekne'katik First Nation
• Reference number: 47
• Submitted: 2026-02-09 - 7:53 PM
• Project phase: Planning
• Participation notice: Public notice - Comments invited on the summaries of the Initial Project Descriptions and funding available
• See the attached submission / Veuillez consulter la pièce jointe  
• Attachment included
• February 9, 2026 Impact Assessment Agency of Canada 200-1801 Hollis Street Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 3N4 RE: COMMENTS ON SALT SPRINGS NATURAL GAS POWER GENERATION PROJECT PROPOSED BY THE NOVA SCOTIA INDEPENDENT ENERGY SYSTEM OPERATOR (IESO) Sipekne’katik First Nation Initial Comments Disclaimer - (Impact Assessment Act, s. 12) This submission provides interim comments and observations from Sipekne’katik First Nation concerning the Salt Springs Natural Gas Power Generation Project, as submitted for initial review to the Impact Assessment Agency Canada (IAAC) by the Nova Scotia Independent Energy Operator (IESO). These comments do not represent Sipekne’katik’s final position or decision on the Project, nor do they constitute consent. The project has not yet been formally under the Sipekne’katik Governance Initiative (SGI), which is the sole process recognized by Sipekne’katik First Nation for conducting consultation with its community members. Accordingly, these comments must not be relied upon by the Proponent or any regulatory authority as evidence or satisfaction of the Crown's Duty to Consult under Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, nor should they be treated as part of any formal consultation record involving Sipekne’katik First Nation. Sipekne’katik First Nation expects that IAAC will duly consider the comments provided below as part of its review of the Project. Concern with the Engagement Process - (Impact Assessment Act, s. 12 & s. 22(1)(c)) Before any further review, it is essential to distinguish between Rights holders and stakeholders clearly. Indigenous peoples are not merely another group of stakeholders; they are Rights ...

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Attachment Concerns with IESO's Environmental Assessment

• Salt Springs Natural Gas Power Generation Facility Project
• Author: Lynda Cormier
• Reference number: 39
• Submitted: 2026-02-09 - 7:35 PM
• Project phase: Planning
• Participation notice: Public notice - Comments invited on the summaries of the Initial Project Descriptions and funding available
•   To whom it may concern We are writing to express significant concerns regarding IESO’s Environmental Assessment Summary for the proposed Salt Springs natural gas generation facility. There are several major gaps in this assessment that make it impossible to understand the real risks to our community. We respectfully ask that you address these issues with IESO when you meet with them.   Lack of Cumulative Impact Assessment The summary evaluates the Salt Springs project in isolation, despite the simultaneous proposal of a second facility in Marshdale. Cumulative effects on air quality, noise, traffic, emergency response capacity, and ecological disturbance must be assessed together, not separately.   Insufficient Air Quality Analysis The summary states that emissions will remain within guidelines but provides no modelling data, no worst-case scenarios, and no analysis of diesel emissions or cold-start spikes. This level of analysis is inadequate for a project involving fossil-fuel combustion.   Minimal Consideration of Diesel Backup Risks Diesel use introduces significant risks, including toxic emissions, spill potential, and groundwater contamination. These risks are not meaningfully assessed or modelled in the summary.   Incomplete Noise Assessment Noise impacts are described only in general terms. There is no detailed modelling, no consideration of low-frequency noise, and no assessment of nighttime operation in a quiet rural ...

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Attachment Opposition

• Salt Springs Natural Gas Power Generation Facility Project
• Author: Resident
• Reference number: 38
• Submitted: 2026-02-09 - 4:46 PM
• Project phase: Planning
• Participation notice: Public notice - Comments invited on the summaries of the Initial Project Descriptions and funding available
• I am writing to you about the Saltsprings Fast-Acting Natural Gas Generating Facility. I am a Registered Nurse and received my 50-year pin this past summer. I lived and worked as a massage therapist in Central West River for 30 years. Swimming in the Six Mile Brook and West River Junction at Saltsprings Park has been a great joy for many children, adults, myself, and my grandchildren for many years. It was quite a shock to hear that this plant was pushed through so quickly before we could read all the information. November 12th 2025, to February 9th, 2026.   1. I know we need to become greener, and another plant needs to be started. What really shocks me is that the backup is diesel oil rather than propane. I saw the pollution on the Dartmouth Eastern Shore from the Tufts Cove NS Power Generating Plant. Have you forgotten that 24,000 litres of oil leaked from pipes through an 11-inch hole in the pipe, with insulation wrapped around it, not the tank? 19,000 litres leaked on land and 5,000 litres leaked into Halifax Harbour. This cannot be accepted again. The West River is very pristine for animals drinking and swimming, our paradise for so many years. The settlement ponds from the Saltsprings Plant will be released into the Six Mile Brook, then into the West River. If there were a diesel oil leak, it could enter the water aquifers, pollute many wells, reach the West River, and reach our beautiful beaches.   Propane leaks have minimal environmental impact because it is non-toxic and does not contaminate soil, water, or aquifers. It rapidly vaporizes and dissipates into the air, avoiding long-term environmental contamination and posing no risk to marine ecosystems, ...

Attachment No to Fast Reacting Fossil Fuel power plant pollution - we have clean energy options

• Salt Springs Natural Gas Power Generation Facility Project
• Author: Environmentalist, researcher
• Reference number: 37
• Submitted: 2026-02-09 - 3:27 PM
• Project phase: Planning
• Participation notice: Public notice - Comments invited on the summaries of the Initial Project Descriptions and funding available
• February 09, 2026 Public Comment on NS Project Environmental Assessment: Re: Fast Reacting Fossil Fuel Gas power plants  - comment to both [1] Saltspring, NS and [2] Marshdale, NS [1] NO to new fossil fuel power plants –there should be no approval to using combustion carbon fossil fuel technology due to the fossil fuel combustion air pollution and increased carbon accumulative impacts over the proposed 30 years – we need change and we have a clean tech option [2 NO to the location and concept model - while fast reacting power plants on demand are needed for grid balance the should be decentralized and distributed along the grid and clean technologies that do no release air pollution or carbon emissions [3] Agriculture and local food security relies on rural lands air and water --so it is not the place to construct brand new fossil fuel combustion power plants to release small Particulate matter pollution. [4] Current Federal and Provincial laws set a path to mitigate carbon emissions and shift to clean energy supply – so with real options  -  an approval would not comply with the mandate of our laws. ===What we need to do === More Wind and more solar and more grid scale batteries distributed along the grid.....plus now is the time to deploy Canadian made fast reacting Hydrogen PEM Fuel Cells ...clean power to meet demand supply and balance the power grid. TO BE CLEAR -- NO to the fossil fuel GAS Plants -- based on the impacts of pollution and carbon release. So…PLEASE deny the project the Environment Assessment --- and Please CONSIDER the options and opportunity to deploy fast reacting clean tech ...

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Attachment Fast Acting Natural Gas Power Generation Facility – Salt Springs IESO Nova Scotia Project # 25-12223

• Salt Springs Natural Gas Power Generation Facility Project
• Author: Cynthia Parks
• Reference number: 36
• Submitted: 2026-02-09 - 1:25 PM
• Project phase: Planning
• Participation notice: Public notice - Comments invited on the summaries of the Initial Project Descriptions and funding available
• Fast Acting Natural Gas Power Generation Facility – Salt Springs IESO Nova Scotia Project # 25-12223: I have many concerns with the proposed Fast Acting Natural Gas Power Generation Facility in Salt Springs Pictou County. I will be referring to listed sections and pages from the Environmental Assessment Registration Document and Initial Project Description – Plain Language summary. Water use Nova Scotia had an intense drought in the summer of 2025, and everyone is worried about well water. I live in Salt Springs and experienced an unprecedented drop in my well water, which was not resolved until well into November. 14.5.2 page 45, states the project will need multiple wells to support the facility and groundwater withdrawal can also impact surface water through reduction in baseflows. The proposal indicates a water requirement equivalent to 750 households or approximately 330,000 litres of water per day. This threatens the safety of our private well water.    Habitat loss Wetlands – According to the Nova Scotia Wetland conservation policy, 53 species protected under provincial law are dependent on wetlands for survival. Section 14.7 page 48 states 29 wetlands are identified within the Project Area, 18 further assessed and 11 identified as a potential Wetland of Special Significance (WSS) with 6 designated for alteration. Who is looking out for these species? Either they are protected or they are not? 29 Black Ash trees with historical significance to the indigenous community were identified. On page 50 they will “maximize avoidance of impacts ...

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Attachment Pipeline Commentary

• Salt Springs Natural Gas Power Generation Facility Project
• Author: Richard Williams
• Reference number: 35
• Submitted: 2026-02-09 - 12:21 PM
• Project phase: Planning
• Participation notice: Public notice - Comments invited on the summaries of the Initial Project Descriptions and funding available
• Please see attached:
• Attachment included
• My wife and I own two properties and a home roughly 3 kms. from the proposed power generating site. These properties have already been cut through by two high power transmission lines, plus a four lane 100 series highway. As such, we are less than enthusiastic about a new project that could further degrade local amenity, plus pose an increase in local nuisance or pollution to the community. I should add, however, that natural gas power generation is a significant improvement from our current coal fired power plant. Logic would dictate that in locating such a facility, priority should be given to existing sites that already have substantial access to the electrical grid and/or pipeline network. The Northern Pulp site has a gas lateral from the M&N pipeline, although likely not adequate to the capacity of the proposed plants at Salt Springs and/or Marshdale. Nevertheless more pipeline capacity could be laid to that site on existing pipeline rights of way and preclude having to jeopardize groundwater in rural areas. Likewise an expanded gas lateral could be extended to the current Trenton generating station which, not surprisingly, has excellent access to the grid. Both sites have proven access to cooling water. Remember, too, that both sites will need to be remediated in the future, at direct, or indirect public expense, so why create one or two more additional future remediation sites at Salt Springs and Marshdale? Nevertheless, if such a plant has to come to Salt Springs, I think a couple of principles should be adhered to: 1. The natural gas coming in from the U.S. to fuel the plants(s) could be used as a tool of political influence, or shut off altogether, in the current economic war being waged ...

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Attachment Opposition

• Salt Springs Natural Gas Power Generation Facility Project
• Author: Resident
• Reference number: 27
• Submitted: 2026-02-09 - 10:33 AM
• Project phase: Planning
• Participation notice: Public notice - Comments invited on the summaries of the Initial Project Descriptions and funding available
• Environmental Assessment Comment: Salt Springs Natural Gas Facility Submitted by: Donna Maxwell, Sixth-Generation Resident, Salt Springs My home sits less than one kilometre from where this proposed industrial facility would be built. I am writing not as an expert in energy policy or environmental science, but as someone whose family has lived on this land for eight generations—long enough to understand what we stand to lose. I am a direct descendant of James Barry of Six Mile Brook, whose music and diaries now rest in the Nova Scotia Archives, studied by those interested in our province's cultural heritage. James Barry spent his life in Six Mile Brook as a Miller, operating the grist mill, composing music, building the first printing press in the area, binding books, and documenting his life in detailed diaries. My ancestors cleared this land, farmed it, raised their families here, and are buried in its soil. Their voices are in the wind that moves through these trees. Their lives are woven into every brook and hillside. This is not a metaphor—it is the lived truth of deep roots. There are now eight generations of our family here—I am the sixth, my daughter is the seventh, and my grandchildren are the eighth. I was born here in the 1950s. I have spent my entire life in this community, raised my own family here, and dedicated my career to educating children in these schools. I have watched this place change over the decades, and I understand what has been lost when development comes without wisdom or restraint. I have also witnessed what endures when we protect what matters. What This Place ...

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Attachment Opposition

• Salt Springs Natural Gas Power Generation Facility Project
• Author: Resident
• Reference number: 26
• Submitted: 2026-02-09 - 9:55 AM
• Project phase: Planning
• Participation notice: Public notice - Comments invited on the summaries of the Initial Project Descriptions and funding available
• Submission Regarding Proposed Natural Gas Facility, Salt Springs I am writing to oppose the proposed 300-megawatt natural gas plant planned for Salt Springs. My home is located within one kilometre of the proposed site, and I have significant concerns about this project's viability, process, and broader context. Process Failures and Lack of Transparency The Environmental Assessment registration was publicly announced on December 22, 2025, during the holiday period when public attention is minimal. Despite photographs in the assessment clearly showing summer site conditions, no public notice was provided while this project was developed over many months. For a community with well-documented limited internet access—an issue regularly addressed in municipal planning—the proponent relied almost exclusively on online notices and social media. No direct mail was sent to residents within the impact zone. This represents a fundamental failure of meaningful community engagement. No financial details have been disclosed. No analysis demonstrates whether this will reduce electricity costs for Nova Scotians. If this project offered genuine financial benefits to ratepayers, one would expect these advantages to be prominently featured in public communications. The absence of such information is conspicuous, particularly given the extensive public promotion of other energy initiatives. Financial and Economic Concerns The economic rationale does not withstand scrutiny. This facility will operate on natural gas with 20% backup diesel capacity, requiring substantial onsite fuel storage. Both natural gas and diesel markets ...

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Attachment Comment posted in error / Commentaire publié par erreur

• Salt Springs Natural Gas Power Generation Facility Project
• Author: Submitted by Administrator on behalf of the IAAC / AEIC
• Reference number: 24
• Submitted: 2026-02-08 - 10:17 PM
• Updated: 2026-02-17 - 11:26 AM
• Rationale: Comment updated at the author's request
• La version française suit: Administrator Note: This comment was posted as an error on this assessment page and has been removed at the author’s request Note de l'administrateur : ce commentaire a été publié par erreur sur cette page d'évaluation et a été supprimé à la demande de son auteur. 

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Attachment Salt Springs and Marshdale IESO beggars

• Salt Springs Natural Gas Power Generation Facility Project
• Author: Salt Springs and Marshdale communities
• Reference number: 23
• Submitted: 2026-02-08 - 3:50 PM
• Project phase: Planning
• Participation notice: Public notice - Comments invited on the summaries of the Initial Project Descriptions and funding available
• It's come to my attention that the Nova Scotia government and IESO are looking to poison school children and the communities of Salt Springs and Marshdale Nova Scotia because of a failing power company profit margins.  The same power company our government sold on its citizens.   Northern Pulp has taught us not to trust our government and someone from the federal government should be talking REALLY LOUDLY about how illegal it is to poison school children and communities because of failing power companies and energy boards who refuse to speak to the public about poisoning us.    The RCMP has already informed me that I'm not legally allowed to say what I really want about IESO but if these projects are approved, I strongly recommend civil war to be an option of communication with IESO and our provincial government.   Do not allow them to poison the valleys of Salt Springs and Marshdale Nova Scotia.    It's already announced that our province is 1.4 billion dollars in dept without cleaning up Northern Pulp, so maybe they can at least clean up one disaster before thinking of creating another in our local area.     How many people were put into prison because of the lies and deceit from the local toxic pulp mill that cost many people to become sick and die.  Shame on our federal government for not being there from all those people then, maybe you might consider helping our area now since Order of Canada's like to be given out to people who lie and cost lives. John Hamm's Order of Canada should be removed, laws should be strengthened and our governments need to stop trying to poison us.  Sickos. 

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Attachment A shortsighted move

• Salt Springs Natural Gas Power Generation Facility Project
• Author: Mason Jones
• Reference number: 22
• Submitted: 2026-02-08 - 1:27 PM
• Project phase: Planning
• Participation notice: Public notice - Comments invited on the summaries of the Initial Project Descriptions and funding available
• I do not understand any valid reason to build a new gas power plant in 2026. This has no place in a future that should be committed to more sustainable sources of energy. To begin a project that will run for 30+ years only prevents us from moving towards a necessary future of zero emissions. 

Attachment Saltsprings - Natural Gas Environmental Assessment Review

• Salt Springs Natural Gas Power Generation Facility Project
• Author: Peggy Simpkin
• Reference number: 21
• Submitted: 2026-02-08 - 10:36 AM
• Project phase: Planning
• Participation notice: Public notice - Comments invited on the summaries of the Initial Project Descriptions and funding available
• The IESO have created a Community Liaison Committee of which I am a member.  In all fairness to the community, the mandate of this committee does not seem to be working. Our inital contact by the IESO was January 2, 2026, with a followup of a confirmed committee meeting date of January 27th (13 days before the final day of public input, Feb 9) which was cancelled as a result of weather and then the followup meeting of Feb4th, 2 two hours prior to, because of a "security reason" not well explained.  The community have many concerns and questions.   There is great concern over the lack of transparency regarding the develpment proposal for this plant as a result of the Saltsprings Environmental Assessment (EA) Findings.  The community is small with verying degrees of accessibility to internet and its use. The EA hardcopy was not allowed to be released from its location at Johnny's Canteen and the Municipality of Pictou County - a 300 plus page document with more pages of drawings and maps.  IESO and MOPC would not reproduce a hardcopy either.   As a committee member, the Terms of Reference seem to be bias to the IESO as the chair and secretary are both controlling the administration of the committee.  The IESO 's lack of ability to communicate with CLC to promote community dialogue however when the EA Findings have presented has in itself incinuated lack of transparency and bias.  Community members have rallied togther as best they can to present their concerns and questions, after an emergency meeting Feb 5th.  They are not happy with the process and its lack of response.  The Clean Power Plan, in regards to Pictou County, and ...
• Attachment included
• 1 Saltsprings Environmental Assessment Review for Feb 9, 2026 As a citizen of Pictou County, Nova Scotia, I have concerns about the development of the Saltsprings Fast Acting Simple Cycle Natural Gas Generating Project. Although, I am strongly in favor of alternative power solutions as per the Clean Power Plan, I see the timeline of the EA and its transparency as minimal. The following will be my concerns and questions regarding this project and its interrelationship with the IESO and with Nova Scotia’s Clean Energy Plan by Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources and Renewables. After reviewing the Environmental Assessment for Saltsprings presented November 12 and 13, 2025, in Pictou County, I realized one thing. Although the environmental assessment addressed repercussions and impacts of the projects, the actual details of the fast acting simple cycle Natural Gas Generating Plant requires an understanding of how this plant processes electricity. This requires more information more information about this type of plant and also about alternatives. These are some of my questions: 1. How reliant will Pictou County and Nova Scotia be if natural gas must be imported into Nova Scotia mainly via the Martimes and Northeast Pipeline from the US? Nova Scotia relies entirely on imported Natural Gas since the closure of the Sable and Panuke offshore in 2018. The Trenton Coal Electrical Generating Plant is to be decommissioned and the proposed Saltspring’s Natural Gas is supposed to be peak only. 2. What will be the baseload plant and how will it produce electricity if there is a peak natural gas electrical generation facilities at Saltsprings and/or Marshdale? 3. What is the overall electrical power ...

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Attachment Reject this project

• Salt Springs Natural Gas Power Generation Facility Project
• Author: Communtiy
• Reference number: 20
• Submitted: 2026-02-07 - 10:21 PM
• Project phase: Planning
• Participation notice: Public notice - Comments invited on the summaries of the Initial Project Descriptions and funding available
• To Whom it may concern, This project should not be approved as it is. There is a need for a new Power Plant, however they should not be built within communities. It has been proven then when facilities such as a the one proposed are built in communities property values decrease exponentially. Making it so people cannot leave even if they wish, but also that the investments they spend their lives paying into become worthless. The housing market in Nova Scotia is in crisis already, adding a whole community to the list will help no one. Access to clean drinking water is needed for daily living, this power plant threatens the reliability of safe drinking water for the community. By tapping into the spring and using it as such a high volume daily the risk of wells running dry is significantly increased. There is also a risk of air pollutants and over all traffic increase destroying the peace and thus overall appeal of this little community. So please before approving this project think about the live it will affect, rather than being blinded by what the company wants you to see. 

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Attachment Zero Emissions Energy Storage (Batteries) are more economical & environmentally friendly than Gas Power Plants

• Salt Springs Natural Gas Power Generation Facility Project
• Author: Eniko Zsoldos
• Reference number: 19
• Submitted: 2026-02-07 - 12:19 PM
• Project phase: Planning
• Participation notice: Public notice - Comments invited on the summaries of the Initial Project Descriptions and funding available
• Dear committee, I'm a local community member who is opposed to this Gas power plant proposal, as I want to see Nova Scotia move towards clean breathable air, clean water, and zero emissions in power generation for our families and communities. I have a PhD in lithium ion battery technology from Dalhousie, specializing in improving the lifetime and lowering the cost of batteries by minimizing the amount of critical minerals used. Over the last decade, I've worked closely in the battery industry in electric vehicles and grid scale energy storage in silicon valley. The cost of deploying battery energy storage systems (BESS) has exponentially decreased over the last decade, with recent prices for lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries at $30/kWh. I strongly urge the committee to reconsider this gas power plant that is expected to operate for the next 30 years in favour of zero emissions technologies, like LFP BESS. In addition to stabilizing the grid and providing power when wind and solar are intermittent, BESS also has numerous other economic benefits over gas power plants. When connected to a power grid, BESS provide load shifting, peak shaving services, frequency regulation, and ancilliary services that all have economic and technical benefits over a gas power plant. After installation, batteries are not subject to supply chain distruptions and price fluctuations like natural gas is, meaning that their operation and economics are more predictable for the next 50 years, in addition to being more sustainable. Battery systems are faster responding than natural gas is, and able to provide more reliable back-up power in emergencies. These benefits of BESS have proven themselves ...

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Attachment Deep Oposition and Unanswered Questions

• Salt Springs Natural Gas Power Generation Facility Project
• Author: Six Mile Brook Resident
• Reference number: 18
• Submitted: 2026-02-07 - 10:39 AM
• Project phase: Planning
• Participation notice: Public notice - Comments invited on the summaries of the Initial Project Descriptions and funding available
• ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT COMMENT:  Proposed 300 MW Natural Gas-Fired Power Generation Facility, Salt Springs, Pictou County, Nova Scotia SUBMITTED BY: Carson McCullough Six Mile Brook, Scotsburn, Pictou County, Nova Scotia DATE: February 1, 2026 RE: OPPOSITION TO THE PROPOSED NATURAL GAS POWER PLANT IN SALT SPRINGS I am writing as a seventh-generation resident of Six Mile Brook, Salt Springs, in Pictou County, Nova Scotia, living in Mi'kmaw territory. I am deeply opposed to the proposed 300-megawatt natural gas power plant and submit this comment to highlight critical deficiencies in the Environmental Assessment and to demand comprehensive answers to questions that have not been adequately addressed. This EA is fundamentally incomplete and fails to protect the health, safety, economic security, and quality of life of Salt Springs residents. The assessment makes unsupported assumptions, omits critical health impact analysis, provides no meaningful safeguards or compensation mechanisms, and fails to demonstrate that alternatives were seriously ...

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Attachment Multiple Failures and Discrimination in this Assessment

• Salt Springs Natural Gas Power Generation Facility Project
• Author: Community of Six Mile Brook
• Reference number: 17
• Submitted: 2026-02-07 - 10:03 AM
• Project phase: Planning
• Participation notice: Public notice - Comments invited on the summaries of the Initial Project Descriptions and funding available
• PUBLIC COMMENT - ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT Fast-Acting Natural Gas Power Generation Facility - Salt Springs Date: February 7, 2026 Executive Summary I am a Registered Nurse and a seventh-generation resident of Salt Springs, living within 1 kilometre of the proposed facility. I submit these comments to raise four critical concerns. First, significant deficiencies in public consultation and a failure to meet the standards for meaningful participation under environmental assessment law. Second, the absence of a health impact assessment despite documented health risks to vulnerable populations. Third, inadequate justification for site selection and assessment of alternatives, particularly given the disproportionate burden on a small rural community. Fourth, concerns about compatibility with Nova Scotia's legislated climate commitments and net-zero targets. Section 1: Public Engagement ...

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Attachment Not environmentally friendly

• Salt Springs Natural Gas Power Generation Facility Project
• Author: Kevin Conrod
• Reference number: 16
• Submitted: 2026-02-06 - 6:39 PM
• Project phase: Planning
• Participation notice: Public notice - Comments invited on the summaries of the Initial Project Descriptions and funding available
• Nova Scotia's plan is to reduce as much as possible fossil fuels, to help fight climate change. Installing a natural gas plant is very environmentally unfriendly, and shouldn't even be considered, if we're aiming to help the environment and reduce our emissions. We should be using a cleaner source of energy for the requirements of Nova Scotia.

Attachment Save Salt Springs

• Salt Springs Natural Gas Power Generation Facility Project
• Author: Administrator on behalf of A. Smith
• Reference number: 49
• Submitted: 2026-02-06 - 3:11 PM
• Project phase: Planning
• Participation notice: Public notice - Comments invited on the summaries of the Initial Project Descriptions and funding available
• This is a formal complaint against the proposal of a natural gas plant development in Salt Springs, Pictou County, NS.   Phase out coal and promote diesel in your new natural gas plant? Trenton power plant could add a natural gas plant while slowly phasing out coal. Build a new gas pipeline. Residents of Trenton are already subjected to the noise, pollution, soot and ash on their homes, vehicles and properties. Trenton power plant already has the infrastructure (water source, electrical towers etc.). Why disturb and possibly irreparably damage the wetlands, wildlife, and health of nearby residents on a much loved rural community? We were not aware or notified of the open house information session which took place at the West River Fire Hall on November 12,2025. As a resident of Six Mile Brook Road and a family that will be directly impacted by this facility, I would like to stress that we have never received any personal contact from the IESO Board or any representative of the IESO.     In all probability, emissions will concentrate in the surrounding area of the plant. This will greatly affect our community. The nitrogen oxides will create smog, soot and ash . Not only will this be a health hazard of various medical conditions but an additional concern to our homes, our properties and habitat in our brooks, streams and woodlands. As residents within a 1km range of this plant, are we to accept the obvious, to become collateral damage to your development?     One of the reasons we moved to Salt ...

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Attachment New fuel plants

• Salt Springs Natural Gas Power Generation Facility Project
• Author: Administrator on behalf of Edna Del Zoppo
• Reference number: 45
• Submitted: 2026-02-05 - 7:33 PM
• Project phase: Planning
• Participation notice: Public notice - Comments invited on the summaries of the Initial Project Descriptions and funding available
• As a registered voter in NS (Richmond County) I strongly feel the environmental sssessments for the proposed Marshdale and Saltspring gas plants In Nova Scotia should be summarily dismissed, and the projects cancelled.

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Attachment New fuel plants

• Salt Springs Natural Gas Power Generation Facility Project
• Author: Administrator on behalf of Edna Del Zoppo-Hancock
• Reference number: 31
• Submitted: 2026-02-05 - 7:33 PM
• Project phase: Planning
• Participation notice: Public notice - Comments invited on the summaries of the Initial Project Descriptions and funding available
• As a registered voter in NS (Richmond County) I strongly feel the environmental sssessments for the proposed Marshdale and Saltspring gas plants In Nova Scotia should be summarily dismissed, and the projects cancelled.

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Attachment Propsed power plant Saltsprings

• Salt Springs Natural Gas Power Generation Facility Project
• Author: Resident of Saltsprings
• Reference number: 15
• Submitted: 2026-02-05 - 3:58 PM
• Project phase: Planning
• Participation notice: Public notice - Comments invited on the summaries of the Initial Project Descriptions and funding available
• Please deny this project! a federal assessment is warranted! our provincial politicians are biased toward this project to try to impress their bosses. No interest in protecting public  I am a respiratory therapist and COPD educator.  This EA contains no health impact assessment for a facility that will emit nitrogen oxides, fine particulate matter (PM2.5), sulphur oxides, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, and benzene—a known carcinogen—within 1 kilometre of residential homes, near an elementary school, and near vulnerable populations. Research on fuel-fired power plants demonstrates significantly elevated rates of asthma hospitalizations, acute respiratory infections, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among nearby residents. National analyses show pollutants from gas-fired plants contribute to thousands of excess deaths annually, hundreds of thousands of asthma attacks, thousands of new childhood asthma cases, and billions in health costs. Children exposed to even low levels of PM2.5 face substantially higher risk of early childhood asthma. Long-term exposure reduces lung function development and causes permanent damage. This will also impact our water.si of us may lose  access to water. Many of us have lived here for generations because it's clean air and water.  There has been no community engagement!calls are not returned by our politicians in pictou county. Please protect us by ensuring a federal environmental assessment.

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Attachment CIAR, Information Request

• Salt Springs Natural Gas Power Generation Facility Project
• Author: Administrator on behalf of Patsy Langille
• Reference number: 30
• Submitted: 2026-02-05 - 3:42 PM
• Project phase: Planning
• Participation notice: Public notice - Comments invited on the summaries of the Initial Project Descriptions and funding available
• To whom it may concern :   Stop do  not let these practices come to Pictou County! Sounds like a similar scenario to Boat harbour ! Out water or lands our skies affected and for what !!! Fossil fuels are obsolete snd killing our worlds ! We need to look hard and find better solutions to have clean energy! We will stand together against this  proposal ! Canada , Nova Scotia , Pictou county unite!

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Attachment EAs for the Proposed Marshdale & Saltspring Gas plants

• Salt Springs Natural Gas Power Generation Facility Project
• Author: Administrator on behalf of Jennyfer Brickenden/Scott Macmillan
• Reference number: 29
• Submitted: 2026-02-05 - 11:19 AM
• Project phase: Planning
• Participation notice: Public notice - Comments invited on the summaries of the Initial Project Descriptions and funding available
• Good morning;   I find it difficult to have to address this issue of the proposed Marshdale and Saltsprings Gas plants. Nova Scotians have so roundly objected to fracking for Natural Gas to the point of banning it in our province. Without consideration this current government has made a complete reversal and has gone so far as to fund Dalhousie University to the tune of $30 million to promote industrial development of this industry in our province. These government directions are reckless and regressive, undermining the wishes of the people of NS to truly decarbonize but demonstrating quite clearly that it is the fossil fuel/oil interests that are all that really matter to this government.   The Environmental Assessments for two proposed 300MW gas plants lack independent unbiased scrutiny and have failed completely to fulfill the requirement to examine project alternatives. The report that renewables are not up for the task lacked the scrutiny needed and simply fell back on the interests of the fossil fuel industry's desire to build at enormous expense, (roughly $1 Billion ea), infrastructure that could be done at a fraction of the costs by utilizing battery storage through renewable sources.   And It's not just the capital cost of these gas plants to consider, but also the long-term fuel and operating and maintenance costs, over 40 years, which have also not properly been examined by the EAs. So again by not examining the possible alternatives the EAs conclusion are a reckless disservice to the people of NS.   Just how independent is the Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator, whose transparent bias to ...

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Attachment Gas

• Salt Springs Natural Gas Power Generation Facility Project
• Author: Administrator on behalf of Emma FitzGerald
• Reference number: 28
• Submitted: 2026-02-05 - 9:46 AM
• Project phase: Planning
• Participation notice: Public notice - Comments invited on the summaries of the Initial Project Descriptions and funding available
• Hello representatives,   Please consider the following information before approving any Gas development.   We deserve to go in the right direction, away from fossil fuels, towards a better future that doesn't destroy this land and our air and water.   Thank you for your consideration,

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Attachment EAs Marshdale and Salt Spring, Pictou Co.

• Salt Springs Natural Gas Power Generation Facility Project
• Author: Administrator on behalf of David Craig
• Reference number: 32
• Submitted: 2026-02-03 - 6:48 PM
• Project phase: Planning
• Participation notice: Public notice - Comments invited on the summaries of the Initial Project Descriptions and funding available
• FYI   I am writing as a resident of Pictou Co. Both of the Environmental Assessments for the proposed Marshdale and Salt Spring sites should be dismissed. Below, please find comprehensive arguments prepared by alternate energy expert Neal Livingston that in my opinion, obviate any serious consideration of these projects. I echo his objections.   To these comments I will also add my voice to the concerns already expressed by many Pictou County residents regarding the excessive use of water these proposed projects are projected to use. The summer of 2025 should alarm all Nova Scotians given the lengthy drought that was experienced. This type of drought should be expected to occur again in the future. Large industrial sites such as those proposed that use huge amounts of water would put the public at risk and affect other industries such as agriculture.   Nova Scotia should not be considering investing billions of dollars in fossil fuels especially given the tremendous advance of renewable energy technologies. These proposed projects in Marshdale and Salt Springs are egregiously out of step with our country’s energy future. Instead, Nova Scotia should continue to focus on wind and solar and related technologies as it has been doing and not be distracted by the fantastical claims of fossil fuel based technologies.   Please register my opposition to these projects.

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Attachment EAs Marshdale and Salt Spring, Pictou Co.

• Salt Springs Natural Gas Power Generation Facility Project
• Author: Administrator on behalf of David Craig
• Reference number: 25
• Submitted: 2026-02-03 - 6:48 PM
• Project phase: Planning
• Participation notice: Public notice - Comments invited on the summaries of the Initial Project Descriptions and funding available
• FYI   I am writing as a resident of Pictou Co. Both of the Environmental Assessments for the proposed Marshdale and Salt Spring sites should be dismissed. Below, please find comprehensive arguments prepared by alternate energy expert Neal Livingston that in my opinion, obviate any serious consideration of these projects. I echo his objections.   To these comments I will also add my voice to the concerns already expressed by many Pictou County residents regarding the excessive use of water these proposed projects are projected to use. The summer of 2025 should alarm all Nova Scotians given the lengthy drought that was experienced. This type of drought should be expected to occur again in the future. Large industrial sites such as those proposed that use huge amounts of water would put the public at risk and affect other industries such as agriculture.   Nova Scotia should not be considering investing billions of dollars in fossil fuels especially given the tremendous advance of renewable energy technologies. These proposed projects in Marshdale and Salt Springs are egregiously out of step with our country’s energy future. Instead, Nova Scotia should continue to focus on wind and solar and related technologies as it has been doing and not be distracted by the fantastical claims of fossil fuel based technologies.   Please register my opposition to these projects.  

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Attachment Significant Backward Step to Addressing Climate Change.

• Salt Springs Natural Gas Power Generation Facility Project
• Author: Nigel Owen
• Reference number: 14
• Submitted: 2026-02-03 - 5:17 PM
• Project phase: Planning
• Participation notice: Public notice - Comments invited on the summaries of the Initial Project Descriptions and funding available
• The proposal to construct a 300-MW natural gas power generation facility in Salt Springs raises serious concerns about long-term energy security, climate alignment, and strategic planning for Nova Scotia’s electricity system. 1. Global experience shows the risks of continued reliance on fossil fuels Across much of the world, jurisdictions are actively moving away from fossil-fuel-based electricity generation—not out of idealism, but out of necessity. Europe provides a stark and instructive example. The war in Ukraine exposed how deeply vulnerable gas-dependent power systems are to geopolitical shocks, supply disruptions, and price volatility. In the United Kingdom, electricity prices are set through a marginal pricing mechanism, where the most expensive generator—often natural gas—determines the price for all electricity on the grid. As gas prices spiked, households and industries faced unprecedented energy bills, despite growing shares of renewable generation. This has had lasting social and economic consequences and has triggered renewed debate about the wisdom of gas-centric power systems. This is not a hypothetical risk—it is a lived reality for millions of people. Nova Scotia should be learning from this experience, not repeating it. 2. A 30-year fossil fuel asset conflicts with climate commitments The proposed facility is expected to operate for a minimum of 30 years. This timeline alone should raise red flags. Nova Scotia, like Canada more broadly, has made clear commitments to deep greenhouse gas reductions and net-zero targets within that same timeframe. There is no such thing as a ...

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Attachment Opposition to the Proposed Peaker Plant in Salt Springs

• Salt Springs Natural Gas Power Generation Facility Project
• Author: Resident
• Reference number: 12
• Submitted: 2026-02-01 - 11:31 AM
• Project phase: Planning
• Participation notice: Public notice - Comments invited on the summaries of the Initial Project Descriptions and funding available
• I am a 30+ year resident of Six Mile Brook and a property taxpayer. I live within one kilometre of this proposed plant and am deeply concerned about how it will affect my health and financial security. If this plant goes ahead, I will lose a significant amount of money on my property value. This property was supposed to support me in my later years – that investment is now at risk because of fumes, noise, and industrial pollution that will make my home nearly unlivable. The enjoyment of my home, which I have worked hard to pay for and maintain, will be destroyed. I am in my mid-seventies, and my health is important to me. Living within one kilometre of this plant means I will be directly exposed to its pollution. The fumes and noise will affect my daily life and my health. At my age, I cannot simply tolerate or recover from this. I am also very concerned about the water table and the quality of my well water. What guarantees do we have that this plant will not contaminate our groundwater? Water is essential to life, and I need to know that my water will remain safe. Our property taxes are already high enough. I should not have to bear additional costs from this plant’s fallout while watching my property value plummet. It is fundamentally unfair that I will lose so much money – money I was counting on for my retirement years – because a private company wants to profit at our expense. If this project proceeds, I demand full compensation for property devaluation, health impacts, and any contamination of my water supply. Longtime taxpayers like me deserve better than this.

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Attachment Opposition

• Salt Springs Natural Gas Power Generation Facility Project
• Author: Resident
• Reference number: 11
• Submitted: 2026-02-01 - 11:21 AM
• Project phase: Planning
• Participation notice: Public notice - Comments invited on the summaries of the Initial Project Descriptions and funding available
• I am a current landowner of several hundred acres. My property was intended as a retirement investment, and with the proposed new plant adjacent to me, its value will drop by approximately 50%. I believe I am entitled to compensation if this deal goes through, as the land will be rendered unusable by fumes and noise. As a property taxpayer for over 60 years, I feel I should not be stripped of my right to use my property as I wish. If this plant goes through, I will have to put up with the noise and fumes if I sit on my front veranda. As a citizen of Six Mile Brook, entering my mid-seventies, I have long considered my land a long-term investment – I will be robbed of that money for retirement. History shows that uneducated people in politics should not be making these decisions. In the early 60s, the government decided to bring a pulp mill to Pictou Co., NS, and for well over 40 years, taxpayers were forced to keep the plant running while the company pillaged the environment and taxes. The only beneficiaries of the mill were those who had employment from the plant, while the rest of us were subject to the plant’s pollution. My belief is that if governments are going to take and invest taxpayers’ money, they need to be educated investors making those decisions, not leave it to elected officials with no background or experience. Older people are at great risk for respiratory and cardiac, and other health issues. This plant will produce fumes that are hazardous even at levels below regulatory limits. This plant also puts our well water at risk and will damage our brooks and streams. The pulp mill was often found to be exceeding toxin limits, and there was no oversight, monitoring, or ...

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Attachment The Environmental Assessments for the Proposed Marshdale and Saltspring Gas Plants In Nova Scotia Should be Summarily Dismissed, and the Projects Cancelled

• Salt Springs Natural Gas Power Generation Facility Project
• Author: Administrator on behalf of Neal Livingston
• Reference number: 13
• Submitted: 2026-02-01 - 4:39 AM
• Project phase: Planning
• Participation notice: Public notice - Comments invited on the summaries of the Initial Project Descriptions and funding available
• Dear Nova Scotia, and Federal EA Administrators:   Please see attached comments regarding, The Environmental Assessments for the Proposed Marshdale and Saltspring Gas Plants In Nova Scotia that Should be Summarily Dismissed, and the Projects Cancelled. I would be pleased to discuss my submission further with you, at your request.   Sincerely  
• Attachment included
• From: Neal Livingston February 1, 2026 Box 55, Mabou, Nova Scotia Canada B0E 1X0 mobile 902-456-2004 blackriverneal@gmail.com www.blackriver.group To: Hon. Timothy Halman and Hon. Julie Dabrusin Minister Department of Environment Minister Environment 1894 Barrington Street, Suite 1800 House of Commons P.O. Box 442, Halifax, NS, B3J 2P8 OEawa, Ontario K1A 0A6 Minister.Environment@novascoMa.ca ministre-minister@ec.gc.ca The Environmental Assessments for the Proposed Marshdale and Saltspring Gas Plants In Nova Sco;a Should be Summarily Dismissed, and the Projects Cancelled ________________________________________________________________________________________ Neal Livingston has had an independent career in Nova Sco4a in energy produc4on for over 45 years from domes4c to commercial grid scale, in hydroelectric, wind, and solar. Parallel to this commercial career, as a volunteer he has been worked to promote clean energy solu4ons for Nova Sco4a. Between 2010 and 2020 he was a founding member of a volunteer community group Clean Power Now, that worked to get Nova Sco4a off fossil fuels by impor4ng electricity from Hydro Quebec. This included holding mee4ngs at the federal level with execu4ve assistants to the federal minister of energy, provincial level mee4ngs with senior staff in Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Sco4a, and mee4ngs with the Vice-President levels at Nova Sco4a Power, and Hydro Quebec. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Dear Ministers of Environment: Unacceptable EAs - Dismiss the two 300 MW gas plant proposals for Nova ScoMa: The ...

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Attachment Mis-information, false perception. Failing conservative leader in Nova Scotia MacLeod.

• Salt Springs Natural Gas Power Generation Facility Project
• Author: Janna McCullough
• Reference number: 10
• Submitted: 2026-01-27 - 5:05 PM
• Project phase: Planning
• Participation notice: Public notice - Comments invited on the summaries of the Initial Project Descriptions and funding available
• The Conservative leader, Marco MacLeod, is blindly following a private company. If there is truly no risk to wells in the area, why is there no agreement in place that holds the company accountable if wells run dry or if the well water is no longer drinkable? If the plant is supposed to operate only as a backup power source, why is there no guarantee regarding the number of hours it will operate? From the information provided, there are no assurances to hold the company accountable if water becomes contaminated or wells go dry. There is also nothing addressing sound pollution or the devaluation of land in the surrounding area. Meetings regarding the construction of this plant were not widely advertised, and invitations were not even sent to those — including myself — who have been actively contacting the local MLA with questions and concerns about the project. As has been seen in other areas of Pictou County, there will likely be years of court litigation to determine responsibility for the damage caused by this plant, as MacLeod appears short-sighted and focused only on his current term in office. There must be guarantees regarding water protection, hours of operation, and the amount of diesel involved with the plant. This is not clean energy. When looking at the plant as a whole, including its long-term environmental impacts, MacLeod and the company he supports are providing false information and misleading perceptions.   Janna McCullough 

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Attachment Re: Formal Opposition to the Salt Springs Natural Gas Power Generation Facility Project

• Salt Springs Natural Gas Power Generation Facility Project
• Author: The Hollow at Lovat, our home
• Reference number: 9
• Submitted: 2026-01-24 - 10:47 AM
• Project phase: Planning
• Participation notice: Public notice - Comments invited on the summaries of the Initial Project Descriptions and funding available
• To Whom It May Concern, I am writing as a resident of Lovat Road in Salt Springs (The Hollow) to formally register my opposition to the proposed Fast Acting Natural Gas Power Generation Facilities (PIDs 00851287, 65049983, 00846311, and 65177198). As a homeowner whose property is adjacent to the project area, I am deeply concerned by the lack of localized data regarding the long-term impacts on our community’s water security, air quality, and the fundamental rural character of Salt Springs. 1. Water Security and Aquifer Depletion The proposal indicates a water requirement equivalent to 750 households (approx. 330,000 liters per day). My property, and those of my neighbors, relies entirely on private wells tapping into a shared bedrock aquifer. The Omission: The Environmental Assessment Registration Document (p. 51, 120) admits that a comprehensive hydrogeological field study has been deferred to the permitting stage. It is scientifically irresponsible to grant environmental approval before determining the "Zone of Influence" of such a massive industrial draw. The Risk: Without this data, there is no guarantee against "drawdown," which would leave residential wells dry, or "upconing," which could draw salinity into our fresh water supply—a known risk in the Salt Springs geological formation. I demand that a multi-season hydrogeological study be completed and made public before any approvals are considered. 2. Contradiction of Rural Character The residents of Salt Springs have consciously chosen a lifestyle defined by peace, low light pollution, and a connection to the natural environment. This ...

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Attachment Battery Storage

• Salt Springs Natural Gas Power Generation Facility Project
• Author: John Middleton
• Reference number: 8
• Submitted: 2026-01-22 - 8:35 AM
• Project phase: Planning
• Participation notice: Public notice - Comments invited on the summaries of the Initial Project Descriptions and funding available
• Continuing to build out solar and wind generation and implementing Battery storage seems like the way forward.  Grid Battery storage has been very sucessfully implemented in Ontario at Oneida; On Time, Under Budget, no emissions, less expensive to construct and maintain. This proposed facility would be powered by imported gas untill local gas supplies could be re-started. Solar, and battery installations are: local, simple, scaleable, and straight forward in comparrison. Wind projects are more complicated, but already underway.  Why would we go back to fossil fuel? Restarting local offshore gas would be going backwards and comes with big financial and environmental risks!   

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