Northern Pulp mill in Pictou County to be demolished

The former Northern Pulp mill site in Abercrombie, Pictou County, is scheduled for demolition following an amended Ministerial Order issued by Environment and Climate Change Minister Timothy Halman to Northern Timber Nova Scotia Corporation. Work is expected to begin as early as September and will involve the abatement and removal of hazardous materials from the buildings before they are torn down.

The order includes specific terms to mitigate environmental impacts and requires the company to determine if upgrades are needed for its surface water management process. The Department will monitor the site during and after demolition to ensure compliance with the Environment Act. The company must also continue to monitor surface and groundwater, collect water for testing, and dispose of leachate at approved facilities.

The site has faced years of uncertainty following the 2020 closure of the Boat Harbour effluent treatment facility. A 2024 settlement included up to $15 million for site cleanup, subject to the company’s ongoing insolvency process in British Columbia. Premier Tim Houston described the case as one of the province’s most complex and sensitive legal and economic files.