Nova Scotia pulp mill emissions still above legal limit

Northern Pulp's mill in Pictou County, N.S. remains slightly above the legal limit.

HALIFAX -- Nova Scotia's Environment Department says emission levels from one of two boilers at the Northern Pulp mill in Pictou County are now within legal limits.

However, it says emission levels from the mill's recovery boiler remain slightly above the legal limit.

Tests were completed Oct. 24 by consulting firm Stantec and reviewed by the government, as per a legally binding order issued in August.

Under the order, the paper mill in Abercrombie Point has until May 30 to get its air quality emissions in line.

The government says it appears maintenance completed during a September shutdown helped address the problem of particulate emissions from the power boiler, bringing them below the regulatory limit.

The government says Northern Pulp is on schedule to replace a precipitator by next May which is expected to further cut emissions.