Concerns raised over quarry approved near Bridgewater, N.S.

An environmental group is urging the Nova Scotia government to overturn the approval of a small quarry in the Petite Riviere watershed in Lunenburg County. The Bridgewater Watershed Protection Alliance is advocating for the area to be designated as a wilderness area due to its ecological significance and importance as a water source for the Town of Bridgewater and Municipality of the District of Lunenburg.

The controversy surrounding the quarry arose when a member of the alliance noticed the widening of a logging road within the watershed, which was later revealed to be for the approved quarry. George Buranyi, a spokesperson for the alliance, expressed shock at the news and emphasized the need to protect the designated watershed.

Both the Town of Bridgewater and the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg have voiced their support for the wilderness area designation and have passed motions calling for a review of the quarry approval by the provincial government. Bridgewater Mayor David Mitchell highlighted the importance of weighing the risks against the rewards when considering such projects.

Environment Minister Tim Halman stated that the quarry operator, Gerald W. Veinot Excavation, is in compliance with the terms and conditions of the industrial approval granted in May 2024. Halman emphasized that industrial approvals are essential for protecting the environment and human health.

Gavin Giles, a lawyer representing Gerald W. Veinot Excavation, defended the company’s need for the new quarry to sustain their business of providing aggregate for construction projects. He emphasized that the company followed all necessary approval processes required by the government.

The approval of the quarry has raised concerns about the impact on endangered species in the watershed, particularly the Atlantic whitefish. Fisheries and Oceans Canada has identified the watershed’s three lakes as critical habitat for the endangered species. Sarah Deller, from the species at risk program at DFO, emphasized the legal protections in place to prevent harm to the Atlantic whitefish and its habitat.

Buranyi highlighted the presence of other threatened and vulnerable species in the watershed, underscoring the irreversible damage that could occur if these species are lost. He stressed the need to preserve the unique biodiversity of the area and questioned the necessity of locating the quarry within a sensitive watershed.

The alliance continues to advocate for the protection of the Petite Riviere watershed and the designation of the area as a wilderness area to safeguard its ecological integrity for future generations. The government’s decision on the quarry approval will have far-reaching implications for both the environment and the community relying on this vital water source.