The country’s largest environmental law charity is heading to court today to ensure that a local fish farm gets a full environmental assessment.

The Indian Head Hatchery Expansion Project in Stephenville was previously released from further environmental assessment, but that decision was appealed in November of 2018.

Ecojustice lawyers are representing the Salmonid Association of Eastern Newfoundland, the Freshwater- Alexander Bays Ecosystem Corporation, the Port au Port Bay Fishery Committee, Alan Pickersgill, John Baird and Wayne Holloway. The case will be heard in Supreme Court, St. John’s today and tomorrow.

NDP MHA, Jim Dinn brought the case up in the House of Assembly on Tuesday.

He questioned the Premier if he was considering proceeding with another costly court case, rather than ordering a full environmental assessment that includes open-net sea pens.

Dinn says after the die-off of 2.6-million salmon in Northern Harvest sea pens, an additional 2.2-million salmon may be destined for the same pens.

On Monday, Environment Minister Derrick Bragg said he couldn’t comment because the case was before the courts.

Dinn says a court case would be unnecessary, if a full environmental assessment is carried out. Dinn says by allowing a full environmental assessment of the sea pens, they can nullify the expense of a court case.

Bragg reiterated that as the case is before the courts, they would not make any comment until the case is concluded.