UPPER NAPPAN, N.S. – A mine water geothermal business park in Springhill is closer to reality with the concept design phase funded and awarded.
“Geothermal energy has been shown to significantly reduce energy costs,” Bill Casey, the MP for Cumberland-Colchester, said.
The Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s (ACOA) Innovative Communities Fund, is providing a $125,000 contribution for the concept design. The Cumberland Energy Authority, a project of the Municipality of Cumberland, is also contributing $125,000.
“Through projects like this one, the Government of Canada is helping local businesses save on energy so they can better compete in the global market and grow the economy,” Casey added. “The green industrial business park will help companies decrease their carbon footprint, develop efficient and renewable energy, and protect the environment.”
The concept design phase will be completed by DesignPoint Engineering & Surveying Ltd. as awarded in an open request for proposals (RFP) process.
“We had considerable interest in the RFP process from many engineering firms. We are confident in the team at DesignPoint and look forward to working with them on this unique opportunity,” Ray Hickey, executive director of the Cumberland Energy Authority, said. “This vital phase of the business park development wouldn’t be possible without the continued financial support from ACOA.”
The draft concept design will include a plan showing the proposed road layout and lot configurations, water, sanitary and stormwater management systems, and active transportation routes.
Springhill is noted for having some of the deepest coal mines in North America, with depths reaching 1,323 metres.
Coal mining became the primary industry for the community in 1849 and continued until a series of mining disasters forced the closure of the mines in 1958.
This was the end of large-scale coal mining in Springhill.
Over the years, the mine tunnels started to flood with water, providing a valuable resource for the community.
Mine water has been used for geothermal heating and cooling in businesses in Springhill for over 30 years.
