‘A complete marvel’: The municipality isn’t able for uranium exploration in its yard
Some municipal leaders are feeling untrained and stunned after learning their areas for the first uranium exploration in Nova Scotia in about 45 years.
On Wednesday, Nova Scotia Government A request for investigation proposals On three sites it is believed that uranium is deposited. Three sites include nearby areas Louisville in Pictau County, East Dalhousie at Annapolis County And Millet Brook in Hunts County,
“This is a total surprise for us,” said Robert Parker, warden of Picto County.
Parker said he did not know much about uranium mining and he would have to start collecting information and approaches about the issue.
He just said, he can see both its sides.
“We want to protect our environment and we want to know that people’s properties are protected. … There is a really good environmental guarantee,” Parker said.
“But I do not disagree completely with the premiere. Nor … We do not know where the future is pioneer, you know, climate change and tariffs and its rest along with its parts. We have to keep an economy that will support our citizens further.”
In March, Tim Houston’s government Passed legislation This would first allow for the discovery of uranium as a adjournment was introduced in 1981 and a complete ban was implemented in 2009. The government has pushed for greater exploitation of natural resources to sideline the provincial economy, especially when faced Challenges from American tariff,
The Nova Scotia government has announced that it will lift the blanket ban for future natural resource development, allowing future uranium research. This decision is a major change for a province that made a warm debate to develop a uranium industry 40 years ago and then in 2008.
Parker said so far, they have not heard any discussion among the residents about uranium, but finally, the council will follow what the most components want.
But the municipalities may have limited control over any possible exploration or mining, as mining is a provincial jurisdiction and if a project ever takes me to my development stage, the province can end the land.
Coun. Ronald Bailey, who represented the Louisville region, also said that he would start with scratches to learn about uranium mining and exploration.
“All this is new to me, I will keep it in this way,” said Bailey.
If the activity can be done safely and does not affect the environment or does not present a risk to the residents, “then I think we have to see it,” he said.
Hunt county
In Hunt County, municipal authorities have heard a lot about uranium from their components.
Lower von, NS had the region of millet brook, the primary site of uranium exploration in 1981 to adjourn. The province’s request notes for the exploration proposals for the site note that it is the only known deposit in the province which is of significant size.
Kayla Lerry-Pachch is a councilor for the area that is placed for possible exploration and remains close to the site. He said that the government of Houston Since last election To lift the ban has revived the memories of the inhabitants of the debate on uranium in the late 1970s and early 80s, and have increased concerns among the new inhabitants.
One of the primary concerns of their components is the possibility of water contamination, especially using water.
“I share some concerns of my residents about the quality of water because I am a resident of the area,” said Lery-Pinch. “I want to make sure that my well water is safe for my family.”
He said Province wrote to all 49 municipalities In February, he was asked to indicate his support for more resource development, West Hunts Regional Municipal Corporation wrote to the Municipal Affairs Minister John Lohar requesting more information.
Lery-Pinach said that the provincial government has yet to respond, and both the council and the residents need more information.
“It is difficult for the residents to advocate when we do not have complete information to discuss and decide.”
Abraham Zebian, Mayor of West Hunts Regional Municipality, said that he feels that there is no opportunity for the residents or municipalities to ask questions.
“If you do not yet have information on it, you cannot take a great decision, and we have no information yet. So as long as this happens, I think we continue to express our concerns and stand with our inhabitants.”
Annapolis County
Annapolis County Warden Dyne Lablanc said both the council and the components learned about the site selected through only a provincial news release, and she hopes that the province would provide more information about its plans.
The East Dalhousie falls within the coun. District of Brian Connell.
“I don’t know enough about it to say anything right or wrong,” he said. “For now, I have to be neutral until I talk to those who live in the area and get more information on it.”
Next step
Proposals for investigation should be given to the Department of Natural Resources by June 11. If there is a successful applicant, it will be announced by 7 July and a license will be issued by 11 July.
