Alton natural gas project environmental permits expected soon

Nova Scotia's Heritage Gas says a natural gas storage facility near Alton is poised to get environmental permits.

Company president Chris Smith says he expects the permits to be issued before the end of the year.

He says an environmental consultation process involving a sister company — Alton Natural Gas Storage — is making good progress.

The project has been on hold since last year when Mi'kmaq protesters complained Alton failed to consult with the native community.

Alton wants to store natural gas near Stewiacke, Nova Scotia, in salt caverns that will be about 1,000 metres underground.

Smith says the caverns are critical to his company's long-term plans.