LNG Briefs: Conservative Leader Against LNG In Maine; Public Input Sought On NB Gas Pipeline Corridor (link)Maine Story - New Brunswick Story
Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director
Thursday, September 15, 2005
Conservative leader and Leader of the Opposition, Stephen Harper said last week the federal government is courting an environmental disaster with its silence on the proposed location for a new Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminal in Maine.
"Once again, the Liberals are missing in action and neglecting the environmental and economic interests of Canadians," said Harper. "When it comes to matters of international importance, they would rather sit on their hands than stand up for Canada."
Maine-bound LNG tankers will have to navigate Head Harbour Passage, a Canadian waterway and the only entrance to Passamaquoddy Bay.
Harper said "the Conservative party recognizes the importance of LNG as part of North America's energy program in the twenty-first century. However, there are well-founded concerns about the construction and operation of LNG terminals in ecologically sensitive areas like Passamaquoddy Bay."
There are now three proposals for LNG import facilities in Maine.
One is proposed at Split Rock on the Passamaquoddy Reservation at Pleasant Point, another is planned for Mill Cove in Robbinston, and the third in Calais.
Harper said, "the LNG terminal in Passamaquoddy Bay is yet another example of the Liberals' poorly managed Canada/US relationship."
Earlier this week, Irving Oil Limited and Repsol YPF, S.A., announced the initial phase of construction for the Canaport LNG project in Saint John, NB, was about to begin.
The Canaport LNG terminal will be operational in 2008, initially delivering 1 billion cubic feet per day of regassified LNG into the market.
Meanwhile, Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline (M&NP) is proposing to construct and operate a 30-inch diameter natural gas pipeline from the planned Canaport LNG facility near Saint John, NB, to Baileyville, Maine.
According to M&NP, they are seeking public input regarding the preliminary routing of the pipeline corridor. Environmental and socio-economic studies throughout the proposed pipeline development area are now underway.
An open house on the project is scheduled in St. Stephen September 21 from 3 to 8:30 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch, 73 Queen Street West.
M&NP says after completion of the studies and consideration of public input, they will apply for regulatory approval later this year to construct the proposed pipeline and related facilities.