TransCanada has received the endorsement of J.D. Irving for their controversial Energy East project.
At the National Energy Board hearing into the pipeline project in Saint John, vice-president of J.D.I.’s construction and equipment division David Saucy spoke about the company’s confidence in TransCanada when it comes to their environmental efforts for the 4600 kilometre west-to-east pipeline project which would involve the construction of a marine terminal and tank farm in Saint John.
“Based on preliminary discussions with the applicant and review of available data, we can attest that they are fully aware and engaged in making sure that Energy East meets the highest standards of environmental stewardship.”
J.D.I. also cited the economic benefit to New Brunswick and the jobs that it would create, calling it not only important for the Canadian economy but critical for New Brunswick. About 450 kilometres of the pipeline would be built in this province.
Saint John group the Citizens’ Coalition for Clean Air, meantime, has made clear its concern to the NEB about the project worsening the air quality in what’s said to be an already heavily-polluted air shed.
Gordon Dalzell says east Saint Johners and those living in Red Head already deal with levels of benzene, which the World Health Organization says has been associated with a range of health effects including cancer, and other volatile organic compounds that are higher than the air quality standards for human health.
“Within the 9-kilometre radius of Red Head, there is already 11-million barrels of crude oil in large tank farms at the Irving crude terminal as well as the Irving Oil refinery.” says Dalzell. “Cumulative impact by adding another 13.2 barrels of bitumen and crude oil in heated tanks will add to the existing benzene, VOC level load… we believe this is currently unacceptable risk to the residents.”
TransCanada says they recognize that air quality is a significant concern and they’ve committed to doing post-construction air quality monitoring.
