Concerns and Transparency

As a landowner in the Liscombe Game Sancuary, at the South Gate, I am writing to voice my concern about the potential impacts on the local environment. My property is on East River, in the downstream watershed of the 15 Mile Stream site. While I recognize the potential economic impacts that this project brings to the communities involved, I do have some concerns as a landowner with riverfront property. 

I'm a 7th generation Eastern Shore resident, my understanding of mananging natural resources is gained through family involvement in the fishery, farming and forestry. The property in Liscombe Sancuary was purchased in 2015 as a place to be close to nature, away from industrial noise pollution and the other environmental pollutants that are often associated with mining projects. 

My concern is that there are many cases of mines closing and leaving behind the negative impacts of mining; tailing ponds, open face pits, discarded equiptment, etc. All of these things would negatively impact my enjoyment of a piece of land that was purchased for its unspoiled natural environment. 

The fact that this site will be processing material from all 3 sites is another cause for concern. 

What I want, as someone who considers my property a personal sancuary, is a defined and clear process that offers a solution if this project has a negative impact to my enjoyment of my land. There is a potential for noise pollution, light pollution, vehicle traffic, dust impacts, and/or water quality effects. These concerns may seem selfish and personal, but the reality is that these are impacts that will affect communities, legacies and more than one generation. 

As this project moves through the processes required to get approval, I would ask that the proponents consider their plan to communicate with those who have chosen the area for themselves, and further generations. Also, there needs to be a clear remediation plan for after the mine closes and a compensation plan, should landowners find their enjoyment of the land is impacted.

I will remain optimistic that Santa Barbara will recognize all of these concerns, and be responsible corporate citizens. Should this not be the case, there needs to be a guarantee that we, the residents of Nova Scotia, are not the ones left dealing with the aftermath.