Following news that BP Canada has been given the green light for the West Aquarius to resume offshore drilling operations on the Scotian Shelf, the Town of Mahone Bay is quite clear where they stand.
In an interview with Acadia News, Mayor David Devenne says they have concerns about the potential impacts of the offshore drilling program itself among other things.
“We’ve made it known to the Federal Minister that we are concerned about the processes that are followed and the consultation, or lack of same with the public, that is done before those permits are issued,” says Devenne.
The permits Devenne refers to are those pertaining to offshore drilling, such as the current operations of the West Aquarius on the Scotian Shelf.
Just last month, the West Aquarius was forced to cease drilling after an estimated 136, 000 litres of synthetic-based drilling mud leaked during operations causing outrage from many coastal communities, environmental groups and the fishing industry.
“The Town of Mahone Bay has expressed concern around the potential impacts of the offshore drilling program, we still have a concern that they are drilling in one of the richest seafood areas off the coast of Nova Scotia,” adds Devenne.
Story by Craig Power
Twitter: @CraigTPower
Email: power.craig@radioabl.ca
Above Photo: Mahone Bay Sign, Photo by Craig Power, © 2018.
