Biomass/Biomess

Future of "renewable" energy in Nova Scotia?

by Ecology Action Centre

photo: Jamie Simpson

Biomess: Where are the regulations to prevent this?

Is this the future of “renewable” energy in Nova Scotia?  Jamie Simpson, forester with the Ecology Action Centre, recently toured a biomass and pulpwood harvest site by Northern Pulp Ltd., on land owned by Neenah Paper Ltd near Upper Musquodoboit.

“This is the worst I’ve ever seen -- it’s hard to believe this is happening in Nova Scotia, in the 21st century,” said Simpson.  “It’s an embarrassment.”

“It proves that we need a regulation to stop companies from whole-tree clear-cut harvesting.  This is the worst of the worst, and the science is clear that this practice is not sustainable – it’s detrimental to wildlife, water systems, and soil productivity,” continues Simpson. 

“Furthermore, it causes a net loss of carbon from our forests and forest soils,” adds Simpson.  “It’s not a carbon-neutral energy source – that’s nothing but a myth.”

Approximately 260 hectares (650 acres) were whole-tree and clearcut harvested this summer by Northern Pulp, with more cutting planned for this winter.

The Ecology Action Centre along with nine other environmental groups and a woodlot owner association recently called on the provincial government to stop whole-tree removal in the context of biomass harvesting.

Northern Pulp is an affiliate of Atlas Holdings LLC and Blue Wolf Capital Management LLC, based in the USA.  Northern Pulp has a license to 80,000 hectares of Nova Scotia's Crown land, and has an agreement to manage Neenah Paper's 195,000 hectares of private land.  On March 26th, 2009, the NS Government loaned Northern Pulp $15 million to assist its mill in Pictou.

This operation by Northern Pulp is certified as "green" by SFI (Sustainable Forestry Initiative). 

More photos of the site can be found at:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=172229&id=634125663&l=f03132caf0

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Jamie Simpson is a professional forester with the Ecology Action Centre, Halifax.  He is the author of Restoring the Acadian Forest: A guide to forest stewardship for woodlot owners in the Maritimes.

The Ecology Action Centre’s Forestry Program strives to promote socially beneficial and ecologically responsible forestry in Nova Scotia.

Contact: Jamie Simpson, 429 1335

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