Latest news with #TimothyHalman
Globe and Mail
13-06-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
New rules for mining projects will speed up approvals, says N.S. government
Nova Scotia is streamlining the approval process for potential metal mining projects after they passed have through an environmental assessment. Environment Minister Timothy Halman announced changes Friday to the 'industrial approval' process, which sets rules for the daily operations of a mine and the monitoring of environmental requirements. Mr. Halman told a news conference in Halifax that his government's new 'phased' approach allows applicants to submit some details about their plans after their projects have been approved. For example, a company will be able to submit erosion- and sedimentation-control plans after its project's approval, but before construction on the mine begins. Mr. Halman also said his department will create a specialized team to handle all mining files to ensure timely processing of requests. The minister said the changes will help projects begin more quickly and maintain environmental standards. 'What's being presented to you today is years and years of listening to companies asking for greater clarity and greater predictability and we've delivered that today,' he said. Nova Scotia Mi'kmaw chiefs oppose new fracking law, considering legal action The Mining Society of Nova Scotia said in a release the industry welcomes the changes and hopes they will 'improve the efficiency of the permitting process.' However, Karen McKendry, senior wilderness outreach coordinator at the Ecology Action Centre in Halifax, said in an interview Friday that the provincial government hasn't made needed improvements to transparency in the industrial approval process. The public can't view documents related to industrial approval applications until after they've been approved, she said. 'All of the details about water monitoring and air monitoring and protecting wildlife are very opaque … There's no public input.' In addition, she said, 'under the industrial approval process, the details of how a project operates can be changed over and over again without anybody finding out about it.' She said that while the government is committing to shortening timelines for industry, it has ignored appeals for changes that 'serve the environment or the public' by giving citizens more opportunity to comment on potential projects.
Global News
13-06-2025
- Business
- Global News
N.S. government says new rules for mining projects will speed up approvals
Nova Scotia's government is streamlining the approval process for potential mining projects after they go through an environmental assessment. Environment Minister Timothy Halman announced changes today to the 'industrial approval' process, which sets rules for the daily operations of a mine, and the monitoring of environmental requirements. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Halman told a news conference in Halifax that his government's new 'phased' approach allows applicants to submit some details about their plans after their projects have been approved. For example, a company will be able to submit erosion- and sedimentation-control plans after its project's approval but before construction on the mine begins. As well, Halman says his department will create a new specialized team to handle all mining files to ensure timely processing of requests. The minister says the changes will help projects begin more quickly, while maintaining environmental standards. Story continues below advertisement This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 13, 2025.
CTV News
13-06-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Nova Scotia streamlines metal mining industrial approval process
Nova Scotia's Minister of Environment and Climate Change Timothy Halman (left) makes an announcement regarding changes specific to metal mining applications. (Jesse Thomas/CTV Atlantic) The province rolled out changes to its metal mining application process today to speed up approvals for companies looking to set up a mine in Nova Scotia. Metal mining projects in Nova Scotia require two provincial approvals from the Department of Environment and Climate Change which include an environmental assessment and industrial approval. Changes introduced today aimed at streamlining the application process for industrial approval and cutting red tape said Timothy Halman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change. 'These changes will result in a smarter application process that is clearer for industry, maintains strong environmental protection and help grows our economy,' said Halman in a news release. 'Our mining industry is critically important and can play a larger role in supplying the minerals that are in global demand to fight climate change.' With the changes announced the province will set up a dedicated team within the department to handle all mining applications. More details to come. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
CTV News
22-05-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Nova Scotia expands 2 quarries to support highway, infrastructure projects
Nova Scotia is expanding two quarries in Colchester and Digby counties to supply materials for highway, housing, clean energy and other infrastructure projects. The province says the Kemptown and Seabrook quarries provide stone, gravel and other materials. Nova Construction Co. Ltd.'s expansion of the Seabrook quarry was approved on May 7 and Chapman Bros. Construction Ltd.'s quarry expansion in Kemptown was approved on May 22. 'Quarries provide the building blocks for all of the infrastructure Nova Scotians depend on, from roads and highways, homes and other buildings, to hospitals and schools,' said Timothy Halman, minister of Environment and Climate Change, in a news release. 'These two approvals have stringent terms and conditions to protect the environment and human health, while allowing sustainable and necessary development to take place for the benefit of all Nova Scotians.' For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
CTV News
16-05-2025
- Health
- CTV News
N.S. reminds residents to be cautious of blue-green algae in freshwater lakes
The Nova Scotia government is reminding residents to be cautious of blue-green algae. Also known as cyanobacteria, blue-green algae is found in freshwater lakes. The government says the plant-like substance is more likely to grow in warm weather. 'Algae blooms can look like fine grass clippings in the water, spilled paint, pea soup or sometimes like a thick scum on the surface,' reads a news release from the province. 'Algae mats can be found in shallow areas of lakes and rivers and along the shoreline; they often look like clumps of vegetation and may appear black, brown or dark green in the water.' The province says testing is unreliable in large bodies of water because blue-green algae can move around, reform and recur. The government warns mats may detach from the bottom and wash up on the shoreline, where they look grey and have a foul odour that may attract dogs. Ingesting blue-green algae can be fatal for pets. When people come in contact with contaminated water it can cause itchy eyes and skin. The province says symptoms worsen if the water is swallowed or breathed in, which can lead to headaches, fever, stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting. 'Climate change is causing more blue-green algae in our lakes and other freshwater bodies. As summer approaches, we are reminding Nova Scotians about the tools available to help them recognize and prevent exposure so they can enjoy our lakes and other freshwater safely,' said Timothy Halman, minister of Environment and Climate Change, in the release. To reduce your risk, the province recommends: scanning the water and shoreline for blue-green algae before going into fresh water or letting children and pets play in it avoiding contact with blooms not drinking fresh water when swimming or enjoying lakes calling a veterinarian if a pet comes into contact with a bloom with a bloom reporting sightings by calling 1-877-936-8476 For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
