Melford International Terminal receives environmental approval

HALIFAX, N.S. — Melford International Terminal (MITI) has been given environmental approval, with conditions, from the Governments of Canada and Nova Scotia, clearing the way for the next phase in the development of the container terminal, intermodal rail facility and logistics park on the Strait of Canso in the Municipality of the District of Guysborough.

“Having obtained this approval is a significant accomplishment,” said Hugh B. Lynch, chairman of MITI. “People in the global shipping and transportation industry understand the significance of this regulatory approval. It shows that we have done our homework, it triggers an exciting next stage for this project, and gives us tremendous momentum.”

Warden Lloyd Hines of the District of Guysborough, which includes Melford, said “This is great news. Council has worked hard to create winning conditions for this project. We congratulate MITI on achieving this major milestone.”

With regulatory approval in hand, MITI is able to formally purchase the land at the site, secure a building permit and finalize operator and rail service agreements. At the same time, MITI will be able to establish construction timelines, complete detailed design, and continue the worldwide marketing campaign for the project.

Melford management has given the EA approval and conditions a preliminary examination and is pleased with the document, the company said in a release. Company officials have signed off on the approval and will now develop a plan and schedule to comply with all conditions.

MITI CEO Robert Stevens said, “The Melford project is a private-sector initiative that is a modern reflection of the global trading economy and while the current state of upheaval in world financial markets has created uncertainty, it has not changed the viability of the project.

“The bottom line is that our partners and others in the industry agree this project makes sense now and in the years to come.”