In this update, we are sharing frequently asked questions and answers about the Alton Natural Gas Storage Project.

Today in our Fish of the Day series we are sharing information on Striped bass, the iconic fish of the Shubenacadie River estuary. This week river monitoring for the Alton Project recorded that Striped bass spawning for 2019 is under way. The late spring delayed spawning this year.

Nova Scotia’s energy mix is changing, and natural gas plays an increasingly important role. It helps power our businesses and warms our homes – all while lowering emissions by displacing higher carbon fuels like fuel oil and coal.

We welcome the decision today from the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia to grant the injunction request as it relates to our Alton Natural Gas Storage Project. 

We recently lost power at our Alton river facilities. During a recent inspection of the site, flooding in the facilities was identified and electrical equipment has been damaged. 

Alton has applied to the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board (UARB) for an extension to the Approval to Construct the natural gas storage caverns.

From time to time, members of the public ask if Alton has researched the many fish species in the Shubenacadie River estuary. 

The results from a first round of laboratory tests show Striped bass are very salinity tolerant. The testing is part of the environmental monitoring program for the Alton Natural Gas Storage Project.

We’ve made it easier to watch the fish monitoring trial for the Alton Natural Gas Storage Project. The 96 hours of footage from the trial can now be viewed alongside other Alton Gas videos on YouTube.  There is a link on the Alton website to the fish monitoring trial videos and other Alton videos.

A new infographic on the Alton website helps explain how much brine will be released into the tidal water of the Shubenacadie River estuary as the natural gas storage caverns at Alton are developed.

We provided the following guest commentary to the Chronicle Herald and the Truro Daily News to share facts about the Alton project and natural gas use in Nova Scotia:

The Alton Natural Gas Storage Project will help reduce Nova Scotia’s greenhouse gas emissions, deliver energy savings and provide more energy choice for consumers.

The Canadian Gas Association has published a new report on Canada’s natural gas market ahead of the upcoming heating season.

Find out more about the Alton Natural Gas Storage Project in our latest community newsletter.

A recent refresh of the Alton website puts more information at your fingertips when you visit.

Monitoring on the Shubenacadie River estuary for the Alton Natural Gas Storage Project includes regular seine net surveys by researchers from Dalhousie University.

We shared the following information in The Chronicle Herald on March 28, 2017 about the geology of natural gas storage and the Alton project:

As part of the environmental monitoring for the Alton Natural Gas Storage Project, a 96 hour trial took place in the fall of 2016. A 96 hour trial is commonly used to scientifically test the tolerance of fish to specific environmental conditions such as salinity. 

Today the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia released a decision setting aside the Minister of Environment’s April 18, 2016 decision to dismiss an Appeal by Sipekne’katik First Nation. The Court has ordered the matter be referred back to the Minister for further action. The Industrial Approval remains in effect for Alton and the Court did not issue a stay against further project work.

Our latest community newsletter for the Alton Natural Gas Storage Project is now available.

The Canadian Gas Association has published a new fact sheet on natural gas storage in Canada.

A new video for the Alton Natural Gas Storage Project is now available for viewing.

The Stewiacke and District Volunteer Fire Department can now help people in trouble on the water, thanks to a recent donation from the Alton Natural Gas Storage Project.

Construction progressed at the Alton Natural Gas Storage Project near Stewiacke, NS over the summer months and into the Fall of 2016.

A new video on research in the Shubenacadie River estuary features Dr. Jim Duston, a fin fish biologist at Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Agriculture. 

Years of fish research on the Shubenacadie River have been summarized in new fact sheets available on the Alton Natural Gas Storage Project website.

The Alton Natural Gas Storage Project provides the following update on planned construction along the northern portion of the dike this summer at Alton’s river site.

A video with sweeping views of the Shubenacadie River is now available for viewing on YouTube.

Stewiacke, Nova Scotia (July 13, 2016)

Today we are launching a new community newsletter for the Alton Natural Gas Storage Project.

Stewiacke, Nova Scotia (July 4, 2016) 

Stewiacke, Nova Scotia (July 4, 2016) 

Stewiacke, Nova Scotia (June 20, 2016)

In case you didn’t see it, we shared a Letter to the Editor in The Chronicle Herald on June 9, 2016 about the Alton Natural Gas Storage Project. Here’s the letter:

Stewiacke, Nova Scotia (May 28, 2016)             

Alton Natural Gas Storage L.P. (Alton) has released its response to the independent science review conducted last year by Conestoga Rovers and Associates (CRA).

Stewiacke, Nova Scotia (April 28, 2016)              

Join us on April 26 to learn more about upcoming work opportunities at the Alton Natural Gas Storage Project.

We’d like to provide you with an update on the Alton Natural Gas Storage Project. Based on feedback we have heard from some members of the community and the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia, we have decided to pause major civil construction activities until this summer. The company will only undertake routine maintenance and minor upgrades of its facilities. This break in activity will allow for more discussions about the project.

At Alton Natural Gas Storage we strive to excel as responsible corporate citizens by giving back to the community by providing funding to non-profit organizations, projects and initiatives that help build and enhance the community.

In preparation for restarting construction, Alton Natural Gas Storage will be moving equipment and heavy machinery to the project site.

Alton Natural Gas Storage LP (Alton) recognizes the rights of the Sipekne'katik and stakeholders to appeal the Government of Nova Scotia's decision to issue all remaining permits for its natural gas storage project.

On January 26, 2016, an open house was held in the Millbrook First Nation community for the Alton Natural Gas Storage Project.

January 21, 2016 (Stewiacke, NS) – Alton Natural Gas Storage LP (Alton) welcomes the recent issuing of all remaining permits by the government of Nova Scotia for its natural gas storage project. Alton will continue its efforts to engage the community and maintain a collaborative, consultative approach to developing natural gas storage facilities near Stewiacke, Nova Scotia. Alton has been working with the Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia and federal and provincial governments to integrate and implement recommendations from a Kwilmu'kw Maw-klusuaqn Negotiation Office (KMKNO)-commissioned third party review into its monitoring plans. This collaboration ensures the appropriate environmental and ecosystem measures are in place to protect the Shubenacadie River, its fish and fish habitat. Historically, storing hydrocarbons in underground salt caverns has been the safest, most secure method of natural gas storage. We look forward to resuming operations in a safe and respectful manner.

A report of the third party review of the Alton Natural Gas Storage project was presented to the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq Chiefs Thursday, July 23, 2015.

A public open house was held at the Brookfield Fire Hall on March 12 in Colchester County, Nova Scotia.