Thursday, July 17, 2008
Fort Howe Hotel & Convention Centre
Robin McAdam, President Brunswick Pipeline
Claude MacKinnon, Co-Chair
Susan Harris
Peter Hanlon
Al McDougall
David Peterson
Midge Thompson
Horst Sauerteig
Lyndsay Epton
Kyle Andersen
Guest: Tim Curry, President, Atlantica Centre for Energy
The agenda was accepted as presented.
The minutes were accepted with additional information: The average daily progress made by
the five automatic welders working in tandem is 80 welds a day, with approximately 6-12
minutes to complete each of the five welding passes.
Some items are complete and others continue to carry forward. To address the question
about “smart pigs” a power point presentation was provided, showing diagrams and
descriptions of a variety of Smart P.I.G. (Pipeline Intervention Gadget) in-line tools.
i) Tim Curry, Atlantica Centre for Energy
Mr. Curry provided the Committee with an overview of the regional energy projects and community benefits in which his company has been involved. He reviewed the history of the True Growth and Regional Growth Strategies which were adopted in 2003. Their focus was economic development in the identified growing sectors of:
1- Information Technology & Communications
2- Health/Medical/Life Services
3- Tourism
4- Energy
The Atlantica Centre for Energy (ACE) grew out of the Energy area. ACE works to support and promote regional opportunities in the energy sector, and creates a bridge for communication between corporations as well as communities. ACE seeks out investors who are prepared to engage fully in the life of the community, have a solid history and reputation, and who will commit to not only seek profits but also support the Supportive and Enriching segments of the community.
Tim indicated that the Energy Sector could potentially bring $15-$20 billion in investment to the area through projects like Pt. Lepreau, Canaport LNG and the Brunswick Pipeline. As well, there is potential for investment in the amount of $7.5 billion if the second oil refinery proceeds, and $4-$8 billion through the potential development of a second reactor at Pt. Lepreau and tidal energy.
The current critical issues in the energy sector are:
Human Resources:
* Transformational change
* Currently in situation where there are not enough people for work
* Regional populations are shrinking with the out migration of young citizens
* Outdated policies on environment and popular culture
* Development of trade skills is the key
* A “global war” for talent to compete with the next generations
Community Concerns:
* Public safety
* Environmental & Human Health
* Costs – impact on the region, infrastructure
* Impact on quality of life
* Participation of regional businesses, local workers
Benefits Blueprint Action Plan:
* anticipate and avoid challenges
* direct benefits to all parts of the community
* capitalize on growth through the province
* Put NB on the map as “getting it right”
* Support government, industry & community partnerships
* Build on and support existing community initiatives
Focus Areas:
* Community interest
* Business
* Training & education
* Infrastructure
* Work force development
* Housing
* Arts & Culture (Quality of Life)
The projections identified by the Benefits Blueprint Plan (which can be accessed by visiting www.benefitsblueprint.org), is that the number of people directly affected (work for) at the peak of the Energy Sector development could be approximately 8,600, with another 33,000 people indirectly affected (induced - employed by suppliers, local economy). The Benefits Blueprint working group used the current and proposed future developments of the Potash Mine, Brunswick Pipeline, Canaport LNG, Pt. Lepreau refurbishment, a 2nd Irving oil refinery and second nuclear reactor at Pt. Lepreau as the basis for their studies. Further, the current census figures for the Greater Saint John area stand at 118,000 people. Using the proposed projects as a basis, the Benefits Blueprint predicts that the population in the Greater Saint John area could either grow to 140,000, or without them continue to decline to 108,000 people by 2021. Essentially, the current energy sector activity is keeping the current population stable, and confirming the further projects would draw back the citizens who have left to find work elsewhere and also bring new people to the region. To summarize, Tim stressed the importance of continuing to focus on increasing employment opportunities, business transformation, infrastructure development, and rebuilding a permanent population.
Construction is progressing in the City. The automatic welding crews will move to the rural spread next week as all lengthy stretches in the urban spread are complete. They will begin setup on Monday, July 21. Tie-in and other remaining welding will be manual, using “stick” or “Poor Boy” welding. Grading is complete in the urban. There is 115 km to complete in the rural areas with 40 km of grading complete and 10 km of ditching complete. The 30” diameter ream is progressing slower than expected. There are currently 400 metres remaining, with a 42” diameter ream still to be completed. The expected completion date has been pushed forward to mid or late September. Discussions about secondary emergency access in Milford continue. Brunswick Pipeline representatives have been working with NB Southern Rail and are close to having a revised proposal to take back to the community. In regards to the Emergency Response Plan, input on the initial draft have been received and the plan now in its second draft, which includes the Saint John Fire Department. Discussions continue with Dr. Bercha about expanding the Emergency Planning Zone (EPZ). These discussions will continue until a resolution is reached. The detailed re-routing hearing related to the Galbraith gravel pits area was held on July 9, 2008. Two objections were raised by two residents in the Westside Estates area, citing concerns about ATVs, loss of their tree screen buffer from the gravel pit and for protection of their creek, flooding, etc. The company committed to planting or trees or working to leave a stretch of the RoW uncut and installation of ATV barriers. The Board’s response is expected by late July or early August.
Rockwood Park Committee: Park trails crossed by the RoW are fully accessible; the rear entrance remains closed as we wait for the road bore at Sandy Point Road. The access also remains until the bore under Highway 1 is complete from the Strescon side. Lily Lake trail: A Grand Opening and ribbon cutting are scheduled for August 10 in conjunction with a Triathlon, being sponsored by Canaport. The next SNBCLC meeting will be held on July 30, 2008. Their meeting scheduled for July 9 was postponed because of the NEB’s detailed route hearing related to the area around the Galbraith gravel pits.
Robin provided an overview of a report entitled Regional Gas Market. The report outlined gas market growth, demand for gas including export and import statistics for a variety of countries around the world. In the past, gas has generally been cheaper than oil on a wholesale basis.
Thursday, August 21, 2008, Fort Howe Hotel.
Download Minutes (PDF)