The federal government has asked Nova Scotia’s Department of Public Works to resubmit a host of material with its plans to build a new aboiteau in the Avon River.
The request is part of a three-page letter from David Humphrey, director of ecosystem management at Fisheries and Oceans Canada, dated Aug. 15.
A copy of the letter was received as part of an access-to-information request by Darren Porter, an Annapolis Valley fisherman who has been fighting the province over its decision to restrict the passage of sea water through the existing aboiteau and its plans to do so when it builds a new one.
Porter supplied the letter to CBC News.
On Thursday, the cabinet minister responsible for the Department of Public Works, Kim Masland, blamed Ottawa for delaying the approvals needed to complete the project, stalling part of the twinning of Highway 101 near Windsor, N.S.
“I think it’s [the] federal government dragging their feet on just another file for Nova Scotians,” Masland told reporters. She noted the province had originally suggested four possible options for the work, but was forced to pick one of them at DFO’s insistence.
DFO letter says N.S. application ‘incomplete or inadequate’
But Humphrey’s letter to her department this summer suggests DFO is just as frustrated with the province.
“As the scope of the project has changed considerably, DFO is requesting [Nova Scotia Public Works] to submit a revised Fisheries Act application with complete information on the proposed work,” wrote Humphrey. “Please ensure the application includes detailed information on the proposed operation(s) of the aboiteau structure and rationale for proposing those operations.
“The application continues to be incomplete or inadequate.”
The federal government is worried about the operation of the aboiteau because it could pose a barrier to fish that spawn in the area, including species at risk.
The province wants the aboiteau closed to maintain Lake Pisiquid as a freshwater lake rather than one that allows sea water to flow in and out with the tides.
Asked by a reporter why the province chose the option most likely to be rejected by Ottawa, Masland said, “It was an option that was available to us and we put it forward.”
Fisherman Darren Porter received a copy of a letter from DFO’s director of ecosystem management as part of an access-to-information request. Porter has been fighting the province over its decision to restrict the passage of sea water through the existing aboiteau and its plans to do so when it builds a new one. (Paul Palmeter/CBC)
Porter said the Houston government appeared more interested in picking a fight with Ottawa than finding middle ground to complete the highway upgrade.
“They’re lining up for a wedge issue for the next election without a doubt,” said Porter. “They’ve been told multiple times a freshwater lake will not pass.”
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