In Pictou County, upcoming natural gas and diesel power plants are now set to operate without utilizing large amounts of water, according to decisions made by the grid operator. This adjustment to a dry system follows public backlash that arose when plans were initially revealed for two gas-fired plants about ten months ago. Concerns raised by locals and organizations centered on the potential environmental harm, such as draining aquifers supplying residential wells and disrupting ecosystems supported by local wetlands, brooks, and rivers.
Originally, the proposed 300-megawatt plants were designed to draw 175,000 liters of water per hour from deep wells for cooling and emissions control, resulting in 50,000 liters of wastewater per hour during peak operations. However, after further studies revealed insufficient groundwater availability for high-water technology, the grid operator opted for low-water technology known as “dry low NOx.”
The grid operator, IESO, intends to solicit proposals from companies to construct and manage the power plants, with the bidding process expected to commence this summer. The specific technology to be employed will depend on the submitted proposals, potentially including dry technologies using ammonia instead of water, although ammonia discharge into nearby watersheds is not anticipated.
Concerns persist among environmentalists like marine ecologist Matt Russell, who worries about accidental leaks impacting critical river systems housing Atlantic salmon. Despite the shift to low-water technology, Russell remains apprehensive about potential negative effects, emphasizing the importance of thorough evaluation and community consultation.
While the new technology aims to reduce water consumption and wastewater discharge, opposition groups like Living Ecosystems and Power (LEAP) continue to express reservations about the potential destruction of biodiverse wetlands and risks associated with on-site fuel storage at the proposed plant locations. Community members, including Raina McDonald, stress the importance of comprehensive environmental assessments and meaningful engagement with residents to address ongoing concerns.
For more stories from Northern Nova Scotia, visit here.