Alton statement

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.

To ensure the site remains safe, it is essential that our crews have immediate and unobstructed access to fully assess the damage and to conduct repairs. Unfortunately, our personnel have been consistently blocked from safely accessing the river site by individuals who are trespassing on Alton property.

Like all work sites, access to Alton facilities is restricted to trained personnel. This is especially important as our crews work to repair damaged electrical systems and equipment. This is to ensure the safety of our people, our neighbours, as well as those who may attempt to enter without authorization. While we respect the right of individuals to express their views safely and peacefully, trespassing at Alton has been an ongoing concern for some time.

As a result, we have filed an Application in the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia which requests that our team be given safe access to the facilities, and that individuals who are trespassing be required to leave. This step was necessary and comes after attempts at engagement and discussion with the individuals at the site. We remain committed to keeping the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia, surrounding communities, landowners and other stakeholders engaged as we advance this important project.

This matter is now before the Courts.

Background

Alton will provide millions of dollars in savings to natural gas customers in Nova Scotia. The project will invest more than $130 million in rural Nova Scotia and has invested approximately $70 million to date. Since 2014, more than 70 Nova Scotia companies have provided goods, services and labour to Alton.

Two environmental assessments of the Alton Project have taken place, plus 10 years of ongoing scientific monitoring of the tidal Shubenacadie River. As well, an independent third-party science review of the project was led by the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia. Alton has accepted and is implementing all recommendations from that review.

Visit the Alton website www.altonnaturalgasstorage.ca to access science videos, infographics and fact sheets as well as in-depth questions and answers about the project. Topics addressed include the brining process to create the natural gas storage caverns, environmental monitoring and research on the tidal Shubenacadie River, safety and community engagement.

Our engagement continues with the Government, the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia, local residents and other stakeholders to discuss Alton and the opportunities the Project presents. Since 2006, Alton has been sharing information and exchanging views with stakeholders including landowners, community members, Government and the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia.