Today’s National Energy Board session in Saint John had a strong focus on the people who would be most directly affected if the proposed Energy East pipeline were constructed – the residents of Saint John and surrounding communities.
Several of the individuals who spoke were from the Anthony’s Cove area of Saint John. These people, who have been communicating with TransCanada from the beginning, and went to TransCanada for help, information, and answers, expressed feeling ignored and misled by TransCanada.
Concerns raised today include:
- Those relating to the proposed tank farm in Anthony’s Cove, which include
- Location;
- The distance of the tank farm to houses;
- Safety measures relating to the tank farm in case of emergency;
- Air, noise and light pollution during construction of the tank farm and once the tanks are operational;
- The impact of the project on First Nation’s rights;
- Drinking water safety and well water monitoring;
- Accountability in the event of a spill, both on land and in the Bay of Fundy.
The NEB has organized a series of panel sessions taking place from August to December 2016, beginning with the session in Saint John. At these sessions, intervenors are limited to short presentations and have been asked to present high level questions they want answered and issues they want considered. Proponent representatives (spokespeople from Transcanada and Irving Oil) may respond. Intervenors and other participants may also submit further questions in writing.
A total of 337 applicants have been granted intervenor status, including the Conservation Council of New Brunswick. Our Fundy Baykeeper, Matt Abbott, spoke as an intervenor yesterday. To read about the concerns we raised, see here.
Miss our update from Day #1? Read it here.