Touquoy Mine

In August 2022, we discovered what appeared to be a leak at the Touquoy Mine on Mooseland Road along Nova Scotia's Eastern Shore. On November 21, we reported our concerns to the Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Climate Change and Environment and Climate Change Canada. We provided photographs, sediment samples, and water samples that we believe indicate contamination affecting the land, the wetlands, water systems down through Fish River and out into Scraggy Lake. We continue to conduct testing.

Atlantic Gold has pleaded guilty to environmental offences in Nova Scotia. The company also holds approvals for additional mining projects on the Eastern Shore and elsewhere in the province.

We hope it is not too late to protect this area, including its lakes, watersheds, and surrounding wetlands. In our view, mining companies have not demonstrated adequate respect for our land and water. While they profit from extracting our natural resources, we are concerned that the long-term environmental costs could ultimately fall on Nova Scotia taxpayers.

Both the provincial and federal governments told us they were conducting extensive investigations. However, to our knowledge, they relied primarily on testing conducted by the mine operator and did not carry out sufficient independent testing. We have not seen evidence to suggest otherwise. We believe that a self-monitoring system is not enough to protect our water and our environment. Nova Scotia does not have enough environmental inspectors to adequately oversee mining operations, particularly when past violations have raised concerns about compliance. We traveled area around the mine that the provincial inspectors obviously never inspected or they were totally ignored. 

That contamination is moving from the mine site into nearby wetlands, through Fish River, into Scraggy Lake, then into Ship Harbour Long Lake and Lake Charlotte before eventually reaching the Atlantic Ocean. This could have long-term consequences for aquatic ecosystems, shorelines, and local fisheries.

We are also concerned about dust generated around the Touquoy Mine. Based on our observations and testing, we believe this dust contains elevated levels of arsenic and other contaminants. We worry about the potential impacts on nearby residents, wildlife, and ecosystems, particularly if dust is inhaled or comes into contact with sensitive tissues.

We often hear that modern mining practices are safer than those used in the past. However, based on what we have witnessed at Touquoy Mine, we do not believe that this has been demonstrated.

Nova Scotia should not become a place where environmental risks are accepted at the expense of public health and our natural heritage. I respectfully ask that this project be reconsidered because I believe it poses unacceptable risks to our land and water. The short-term jobs and relatively low royalties are not worth jeopardizing the health of our environment or the future of this beautiful province.

Instead, I encourage our leaders to invest in industries that protect and sustain our natural resources, such as agriculture, fisheries, and tourism. These sectors can provide long-term economic benefits while preserving the land and water that define Nova Scotia.

History has proven over and over again that mining in Nova Scotia will not help us in anyway. It is dangerous for the environment and especially our precious water supply. The saying doing the same thing over and over again while expecting different results is the definition of insanity and applies here. That saying should be taken into consideration and these open-pits mines should NOT happen. 

I respectfully ask that you have respect for this tiny province and its beauty. We need to speak for the land and the water as they have no voice.