Premier Brian Gallant is a big supporter of the Energy East pipeline but you couldn’t tell that by the provincial presentation to the National Energy Board hearing in Fredericton. The provincial presentation is promising what it calls a thorough and neutral review of the project. Provincial representative Pierre Doucet posed lots of questions, pointing to issues raised by the intervenors in Saint John including the impact the proposed tank farm in Red Head would have on people living nearby.
The city of Edmundston raised concern over the pipeline crossing the watershed that provides drinking water to the city. Trans Canada says the pipeline was moved 23 kilometers away from what was originally proposed but Edmundston still isn`t on board.
Trans Canada told the province ordinary farming practices will be allowed along the pipeline route.
The hearing has been told by the New Brunswick Aboriginal Peoples Council the response to its request for consultations with Energy East on its proposed pipeline was not very polite. Chief Wendy Wetteland says excluding off reserve and non status aboriginals is discriminatory. Chief Wetteland says the proposed pipeline has a high potential to adversely affect aboriginal and treaty rights in New Brunswick.
Another issue being raised by the provincial government is the need for work camps as the pipeline is constructed. John Van Der Put says that would be evaluated by the contractors the closer they get to construction. In Saint John, Van Der Put says the expectation is there will be enough accomodation in Saint John without needing a work camp.
