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A new water pipeline planned for parts of Cape Breton has received environmental approval from the Province of Nova Scotia.
The Department of Environment and Climate Change says the Landrie Lake Water Utility has been approved to move ahead with a system that will allow more water from its watershed to flow to homes, businesses and community services in the Port Hawkesbury and Richmond areas.
Officials say the project is intended to help meet growing demand for water and support economic development in the region.
Environment and Climate Change Minister Timothy Halman says the pipeline will also support two green hydrogen projects planned for the area.
The project must meet 41 conditions as part of its environmental assessment approval. Those conditions are intended to address environmental impacts and protect nearby communities.
The Landrie Lake Water Utility is owned by the Town of Port Hawkesbury and the Municipality of the County of Richmond. It draws water from the Landrie Lake watershed, which is owned and operated by the Department of Public Works.
A similar pipeline was used in the area until 1992, when it was discontinued after water demand declined.
The environmental approval allows the project to move forward, but additional permits from federal, provincial and municipal regulators will still be required before construction can begin.
