A small group of homeowners is walking away from a long-standing battle with a very large company.
Residents of Penobsquis, N.B. say their well water and land have been damaged by the nearby potash mine, but the legal process they are trying to pursue favours the big players and not the small ones.
Residents filed a complaint with the New Brunswick Mining commissioner, but after months of hearings, they have now given up.
Beth Nixon represents the homeowners. She says the process is flawed and tends to favour the side that is able to afford lawyers and expert witnesses and even transcripts. Nixon says the effort also takes a human toll.
“It’s not even just a matter of money, it’s a matter of citizens’ time,” says Nixon. “It’s trying to source people and too much work is put on the backs of average everyday New Brunswickers to try and defend themselves from damages that are happening.”
Problems with well water and with sinking land have gone on for years; in some cases more than a decade. Residents have long blamed the company, but they also say they were abandoned by their provincial government in the name of economic development.
With the prospect of more industry in the area, residents say other “little guys” may be vulnerable.
“Everyone needs water and we hope it’s not destroyed for economics. Please look at it. We hope that it’s not destroyed for economics, you know, the almighty dollar,” says Penobsquis resident Rena Hawthorne.
This summer, the company agreed to pay for replacement water flowing to the homes. Potash Corp. has also agreed to work with the Concerned Citizens of Penobsquis Group about the issues that remain unresolved.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Mike Cameron
