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Northern Pulp Mill Demolition Begins After Environmental Controversy
28 Aug
Summary
- Demolition of the former Northern Pulp mill in Abercrombie is set to begin.
- The site's future remains uncertain due to contamination from past operations.
- Nova Scotia faces an estimated $425 million cleanup cost for Boat Harbour.
The demolition of the former Northern Pulp mill in Abercrombie, Nova Scotia, is imminent, with work expected to commence as early as September 2026. Environment Minister Tim Halman has issued an amended order clearing the way for the removal of buildings and infrastructure. Northern Timber Nova Scotia anticipates completing the demolition within 18 months, targeting the last quarter of 2027.
The mill, a significant entity in Nova Scotia's forestry industry, also carries a controversial legacy, being recognized as a prominent example of environmental racism. The tidal estuary by Pictou Landing First Nation, used for waste treatment since 1967, became heavily polluted, raising health and environmental concerns for the Mi'kmaq community.
The future of the contaminated mill site is uncertain, as the company's closure plan does not include land remediation. This leaves a significant environmental challenge for the province. Concurrently, Nova Scotia faces an estimated $425 million bill for the cleanup of Boat Harbour, the former site of the mill's effluent treatment.
The mill ceased operations in 2020 after failing to secure approval for a new effluent treatment facility. The company underwent a creditor protection process, leading to a settlement agreement in 2024 that ended legal disputes and potential lawsuits. The site's timberlands were sold for $235 million, with proceeds allocated to debts, pensions, and closure efforts.
