Northern Pulp says it is preparing to shut down operations as the provincial government remains mum on whether it will extend the Boat Harbour Act deadline and allow the company to continue using the effluent treatment facility.
The Boat Harbour Act requires the Pictou County mill to stop pumping effluent into the lagoon by Jan. 31. An amendment to the act would be required to change that date, however the province has yet to say whether it would consider that amendment.
Premier Stephen McNeil is expected to speak publicly about the future of Boat Harbour on Friday.
Northern Pulp officials have requested an extension to the deadline and have said the mill cannot keep operating without one, something forestry officials have predicted would result in about 2,700 jobs lost within the industry.