One of the intervenors in the National Energy Board’s hearings into TransCanada’s Energy East pipeline spoke on behalf of a citizen-led group to Saint John Common Council asking for assurance that Saint John taxpayers won’t be on the hook for the construction and operation of the pipeline, the tank form or marine terminal.
Lynaya Astephen, spokesperson for the Red Head Anthony’s Cove Preservation Association, says their concern over financial liability is justified. She says Energy East pipeline leaks as large as 2.6-million litres per day for up to two weeks could go undetected.
“The mayor of Edmunston, Cyrille Simard, publicly stated that a major spill in their protected watershed could cost up to several billion dollars to clean up this is why he’s come out against Energy East because it goes actually right in the middle of their watershed.”
The group asks council if they will require TransCanada to sign an agreement that a third party will assess foundations and water wells before and after the construction. They also ask, among several others things, if they will ask the company to give a list of roads they propose to use for heavy truck hauling, and if TransCanada will agree in writing to cover the cost of increasing emergency and spill response services.
“Are you going to look out for the health and welfare of our citizens?,” Astephen said to council.
The NEB hearings begin in Saint John on August 8. The City of Saint John is also an intervenor.
