The Saint Croix Courier

St. Stephen, NB

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2007 February 6

Fundy Baykeeper concerned by threat of more ships in bay

By BARB RAYNER

SAINT JOHN — A second oil refinery in Saint John together with the proposed LNG terminal there will double the number of ships operating in the Bay of Fundy increasing the risk of oil spills, tanker accidents, possible explosions and possible collisions with large marine mammals, says the Fundy Baykeeper.

The January edition of the Fundy Baykeeper's Baykeeper Log reports that both the New Brunswick Conservation Council and Fundy Baykeeper are opposed to Irving Oil's plans for a second oil refinery.

Last month, the company registered a project description with the provincial and federal regulatory authorities. The filing is intended to initiate the provincial and federal environmental impact assessment processes that are required for the project.

The refinery, which will be adjacent to the existing Canaport facility at Mispec,is expected to cost approximately $7 billion,and produce 300,000 barrels of oil a day.

Fundy Baykeeper David Thompson says, "In the view of the Conservation Council and the Fundy Baykeeper, this refinery, which will export to the U.S., has no place in New Brunswick where there is no legislation to control greenhouse gas emissions.

"All refined product will be exported by tanker, along with the proposed LNG terminal. This will double the number of ships operating in the Bay of Fundy, increasing the risks of oil spills, tanker accidents, possible explosions and possible collisions with large marine mammals.

"Furthermore, fishermen operating in the area will be displaced from traditional fishing grounds and the existing poor air quality in Saint John will further deteriorate. "

The Conservation Council and the Baykeeper are actively opposing the new refinery. Fundy Baykeeper has two UNB law students examining what permits and approvals Irving would need to obtain before receiving authorization to proceed with construction.