We anticipate investigating the extent
to which piped natural gas will have an effect on those with
environmentally induced illness/chemical sensitivity, on those who may have a tendency to develop it, on
those who have allergies and asthma, and on all others; and on the health, social, financial and general
well-being impacts of such effects. We expect to evaluate specifically in which situations natural gas
would tend to show a high risk-to-benefit ratio and would thus tend to be ill-advised. We also wish to
evaluate in which particular situations natural gas may tend to have less risk and more benefit and thus
might tend to be more useful.
Some basic studies have already been conducted. We need to evaluate what studies remain to be done and how
they would need to be configured in order to be useful. We are eager to discuss with all parties the
appropriate ways that our needs can be fully and appropriately realized.
(2) Evaluation of the Economic Implications of the Proposed Sable Gas Project from the Perspective of
Environmentally Induced Illness/Chemical Sensitivity, Asthma and Allergy -
[Economic Study].
(3) Review of Provincial and Federal Legislation Regarding Potential Effects of the Proposed Sable Gas
Project from the Perspective of Environmentally Induced Illness/Chemical Sensitivity, Asthma and Allergy -
[Legal Study].
(4) Review and Evaluation of Alternatives To and Within the Proposed Sable Gas Project from the
Perspective of Environmentally Induced Illness/Chemical Sensitivity, Asthma and Allergy -
[Alternatives Study].
(5) Conclusions and Recommendations Regarding the Proposed Sable Gas Project from the Perspective of
Environmentally Induced Illness/Chemical Sensitivity, Asthma and Allergy, An Executive Summary
[Conclusions & Recommendations Report].
Our report will also examine the environmentally induced illness, asthma and allergy impact upon animals and
plants, both domestic and in "wildlands" arising from pipeline construction and operation, and from
interactions with other projects and factors. To our knowledge these have not been considered in the
environmental impact assessment report. Basic cost-benefit analyses may be prepared for alternate pipeline
routes that minimize potential effects. Attention will be paid to the latest research in hormone disruption
effects as well as mutagenic, synergistic and trans-generational effects.
This will include a review of the adequacy of protection, if any, for persons with environmentally induced
illness/chemical sensitivity, asthma and allergies in Environmental Management Plans prepared by project
proponents for this and other gas pipeline projects. We have requested detailed provisions for those with
environmentally induced illness/chemical sensitivity be included within an Environmental Management
[protection] Plan (EMP) to be completed prior to the Panel's decision, with adequate time for public
scrutiny.
Individuals can be readily tested for hypersensitivity to natural gas. Some AEHA-NS members have undergone
this test and have determined they are extremely hypersensitive to natural gas. The intradermal titration
neutralization method is used. The Nova Scotia Environmental Health Clinic- Dalhousie at the Victoria
General Hospital and Dalhousie University in Halifax presently has the capacity to perform and evaluate the
results of such testing. Physicians and patients will be surveyed for relevant information.
(a) direct economic effects;
(b) indirect economic effects;
(c) how various government and non-government organizations (NGOs) have approached the compensation issue
for this type of project and related projects that cascade from it;
(d) consequences of end uses of piped natural gas, especially to avoid unfunded liabilities due to
unanticipated consequences and inadequacy of contingency funding bonded toward such public protection;
(e) economic valuation of the status quo; and
(f) recommendations to the proponents and the NEB.
The current Nova Scotia legislation, an Act Respecting The Transmission of Oil and Gas, and an Act Respecting
Gas Utilities, were passed a decade ago and were intended in light of the Venture Gas Project of Mobil Oil
for a pipeline to the US. This project was never approved and never even reached public hearings. In New
Brunswick, the project went a bit further before dying. None of the Provincial legislation was ever used,
and needs updating. Nova Scotia has been reconsidering its legislation.
Our report will assess the existing Provincial legislation and related federal acts in terms of their
suitability for:
(a) the adequacy of protection, specifically from the perspective of environmentally induced
illness/chemical sensitivity, asthma and allergy;
(b) the adequacy of environmental protection, specifically dealing with gas pipelines
during construction, operations and abandonment;
(c) preparation for provincial government personnel to monitor and to regulate gas
pipelines in the long-term after commencement of operations;
(d) the accountability and investigative procedures in the case of accidents; and
(e) the adequacy of present and proposed legislation to protect the public interest in
the case of the issuance and renewal of gas distribution licences, most specifically from the perspective of
environmentally induced illness/chemical sensitivity, asthma and allergy.
This review will examine the various potential uses for the natural gas and its by-products and the variable
consequences of the alternatives. This review should include products manufactured from natural gas and gas
by-products in all stages of their life-cycle, including;
(a) production,
(b) transportation,
(c) uses, and
(d) disposal.
Some potential natural gas products include, but are not limited to:
(a) fertilizers,
(b) propane, butane and other fuels,
(c) sulphur and/or other minerals,
(d) "natural gas liquids",
(e) pesticides,
(f) plastics, and
(g) other synthetic organic chemicals.
This will include a review and evaluation of areas needing further study to fully answer questions that have
emerged in this relatively new area of investigation. Consideration will be given to the ways these
studies should be configured and undertaken. Areas needing change or further development in order to
allow proper protection from the perspective of environmentally induced illness/chemical sensitivity,
asthma and allergy will be given close attention.
This publication will constitute an executive summary suitable for wider distribution.
Our proposed activities fit the Terms of Reference of the Panel as set out in the Agreement for a Joint
Public Review of the Proposed Sable Gas Project, Schedule I, Appendix I. Our reports and presentations
will assist the Panel in its understanding of the factors relating to environmentally induced
illness/chemical sensitivity, asthma and allergy. This is an emerging field in which our membership is
uniquely able to contribute by virtue of our experience and expertise in the area. In addition, the
potential exists for us to be so strongly affected by the outcome of this project that we have a vital
stake in ensuring that it be fully and reliably assessed.