NB Power report on Mactaquac project says citizens key on environment

A new report says the highest priority of New Brunswickerswith respect to replacing or removing the Mactaquac Dam is the environment, followed closely by the cost to taxpayers.

NB Power released its "What was said"reporton Friday regarding theconsultations with New Brunswickersabout the Mactaquac project.

The report states the concerns of New Brunswickers about the environment, electricity sources and the economic impact of the project were consistent throughout the province.

"There is really no variation to speak of," states the executive summary.

"New Brunswickers by and large care about the same things, in the same measure.

"New Brunswickers, (including those who reside in the affected area) largely agree that the final decision on Mactaquac should be based on the interests of the province as a whole, while also sensitive to the most directly impacted communities."

4 options

NB Power is considering a numbers of options for the MactaquacGenerating Station, which is deteriorating due to a chemical reaction and may possibly need to be replaced by 2030.

• Rebuild the dam and the generating station.
• Rebuild the dam to maintain the headpond, but stop producing electricity at the site.
• Remove the dam and restore the natural flow of the river.
• Partially rebuild and replace parts of the existing dam in an effort to extend the life of the dam.

Cost estimates have ranged between $2 billion and $5 billion.

NB Power has stated it will make its recommendation to government on how it wants to proceed by the end of 2016.

The report released Friday summarizes what NB Power was told in its public engagement process about the project from September2015 through May 2016.

The report said more than 300,000 New Brunswickers are aware of the decision to be made, based on public opinion polling.

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"On the environment, New Brunswickers told us that improving fish passage at Mactaquac is a high priority," states the report's executive summary.

"It was also indicated that there is a willingness to accept some negative short-term environmental impacts if changes result in New Brunswick reaching it's long-term environmental goals.

Mixed reaction about removing dam

"Overall, feedback related to the retentionor removal of the dam was mixed," states the report.

"A majority of residents who participated indicated the headpond should not be disturbed, however, number stakeholders expressed their opinion in workings and formal submissions that the dam should be removed."

The living on the headpond and St. John River Valley placed a lower level of priority on the cost associated with the decision with a higher priority on community impacts.

"[This is] not a surprising result given the direct impacts that might be expected on those residents as the Mactaquac Project moves forward," states the report.

Whatever decision is made, New Brunswickers want local suppliers be given priority for the project.

"There is majority support for a mega project to boost the economy."