September 17, 2014 – About 350 plaintiffs living in Trenton, N.S., and nearby areas—represented by Jamie MacGillivray of MacGillivray Injury and Insurance Law of New Glasgow—have resolved claims against Nova Scotia Power Inc. relating to the operation of the Trenton Generating Station. There has not been an admission of liability, and the details of the settlement are confidential.

(The news came in a joint release issued by Nova Scotia Power and MacGillivray Injury and Insurance Law.)

“My clients are very pleased to have resolved this matter and now can put the litigation behind them,” said MacGillivray. He also expressed satisfaction with NS Power’s intention to continue its efforts to minimize emission events and to provide assistance to residents affected.

The Trenton Station, which was originally established in the 1940s, is the third-largest by generating capacity in the utility’s fleet. It “contributes substantially to the local economy” as an important employer and purchaser of goods and services in Pictou County, notes NS Power.

The company goes on to say it “has worked hard to be a good neighbour to the community”. It has made upgrades to the plant, including a $45-million refurbishment in 2009, and has made adjustments to operations and fuel mixes, all of which reduced fly ash emissions. The upgrades included the addition of a baghouse to one of the station’s two units. In addition, both units are equipped with electrostatic precipitators designed to capture 99% of fly ash.

According to the utility, there has not been a significant emission event since March 11, 2011. When such events occurred in the past, the utility says it responded quickly to its neighbours, including arranging to have homes and vehicles washed.