The National Energy Board hearings are underway with Trans Canada Pipeline answering concerns about the risks of the project.
The Vice President of Eastern Pipeline Projects for the company, John Van Der Put says the pipeline is monitored 24/7 with thousands of sensors sending information back to the operations control centre every five seconds. He adds the inspection technology is so sophisticated, it can detect a fissure that’s the width of a hair and the pipeline under water will be twice as thick.
Van Der Put says Trans Canada will design the oil tank terminals with what are called floating roofs to keep a lid on harmful emissions.
The National Energy Board has heard from the Sierra Club Canada Foundation which opposes the pipeline. Emma Hebb of the Foundation’s Atlantic Chapter argues Energy East is not in the public interest because all good science tells us we should be switching away from fossil fuels as soon as possible.
Lisa Mitchell of Nature Canada is concerned with how fast the response would be if there were an oil spill in the Bay of Fundy and what the impact would be on mzarine life and habitat. Nature Canada is not staking out a position on the pipeline pro or con.
Gary Prosser, who lives in the area of Saint John where the tank farm would be located, posed the question “What price do I have to pay for Energy East”. He also accuses Trans Canada of displaying a lack of regard and concern for local residents.
Dr. Paula Tippett told the hearing the pipeline route risks the drinking water of thousands of New Brunswickers.
