The Kensington grain elevator can expand after receiving environmental assessment approval from the province.
The proposed expansion is needed to help the Island’s grain and oil seed industry continue to succeed.
Government’s approval was granted under the condition that the grain elevator corporation address any future concerns regarding noise, light or air quality. The corporation will still be required to obtain any other necessary federal, provincial or municipal permits for construction.
Along with the operational improvements, the project will lessen carbon emissions produced by shipping grain to off-Island storage. Last year, the Grain Elevator Corporation shipped 16,000 tonnes of grain and oil seed to storage in Halifax. The present grain elevators were constructed in 1969 and do not provide adequate operational capacity.
The proposed expansion includes the construction of dryer units, high capacity holding tanks, loadout tanks and an office with electrical and mechanical areas.
The current grain and oil seed storage tanks are expected to continue to operate in conjunction with the proposed new tanks.
