African-Nova Scotians in Guysborough County are anxiously awaiting a decision on a proposed petrochemical plant they worry will be built over a Black Loyalist burial ground.

Wednesday is the deadline for Environment Minister Mark Parent to decide whether Keltic Petrochemicals Inc.'s $4-billion project will go ahead.

The proposal calls for a wharf to be built on the Red Head cemetery, which was founded by Black Loyalists who settled the village of Goldboro in the 1780s.

"Put it somewhere else and leave that burial site and leave my people alone," said Wendy Campbell, with the group Concerned Citizens of Lincolnville.

The remaining graves were removed in 2001 because of erosion, but Campbell said the site is sacred and the African-Nova Scotian community wants it undisturbed.

Nova Scotia's environmental assessment board has recommended that Keltic discuss plans for Red Head with the community. It also said the company should have an archeologist on hand during construction in case artifacts are uncovered.

Parent can choose whether to accept any or all of the conditions recommended by the board.

Keltic Petrochemicals president Kevin Dunn could not be reached for comment, but he has said the company will meet all conditions attached to a construction permit.

The company's project includes a liquefied natural gas facility, plastics plant and small power plant.

The Ecology Action Centre, an environmental group, is urging the province to block the project, arguing Keltic Petrochemicals failed to provide enough information about the impact on air quality and greenhouse gas emissions.

Others support the project for the 500 jobs it's expected to bring to the area.