LNG Tanker Exclusion Zones - Presentation References

savepassamaquoddybay.org

References from Marine Biologist Arthur MacKay, Bocabec, New Brunswick, Save Passamaquoddy Bay — Canada

(Email Message, 8 December 2004)

Subject: Validity of Exclusion Zone and tanker traffic information

It has come to my attention that there has been concern expressed about the validity of the exclusion zone and tanker traffic information used by Joyce, Jan, and I in our presentations.

Joyce and Jan have provided me with links supporting our stand and I have also researched some google links for those who might wish to dig more deeply. You can access these at:

http://www.google.com/search?q=lng+exclusion+zones&sourceid=mozilla-search&start=0&start=0&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8

As you will see if you check this information out, the rumours are unfounded. Our presentations are based on the best available information for the closest development at Fall River. It would appear that our detractors have not researched this themselves and are attempting to counter our stand with disinformation. Sorry !!!!

I have provided a list of some US and Canadian approvals required at the end of this email.

*Re. the Fall River Terminal In Massachusetts:*

Number per year - "anticipated 50 to 70 LNG tankers per year". This represents the equivalent of 100 to 140 passages through Head Harbour per year.

Exclusion Zone -

"The DEIR indicated that the proposed safety exclusion zone for LNG tankers is two miles ahead and one mile astern while a fully loaded

vessel is en route to and from the LNG terminal. This moving safety exclusion zone has the potential to affect both commercial maritime traffic and recreational boat traffic in Mount Hope Bay and the Taunton River. The DEIR estimates between 50 and 70 tankers will travel to and from the proposed LNG terminal annually. Because arrivals and departures would occur on subsequent days, it is reasonable to expect a moving safety exclusion zone within Mount Hope Bay and the Taunton River for a portion of as many as 140 days per year.

"The DEIR did not indicate whether a safety exclusion zone would be maintained around tankers while they are off-loading. The SDEIR should confirm if a safety exclusion zone would be maintained around the LNG tanker for the entire 24-hour period that it is offloading at the LNG terminal (as many as 70 full days annually)."

Reference Links:

             http://www.mass.gov/envir/mepa/downloads/13061deir.doc

http://dmses.dot.gov/docimages/pdf90/303492_web.pdf

*Re: Irving Refinery at St. John*

"It should be noted that Irving provided design inputs for the multi-purpose pier to Transport Canada Marine Safety during the review of the EIS. For the purposes of the EIS review, a LNG vessel exclusion zone of 200 metres was accepted for when the LNG ships travel through the Bay of Fundy, as well as around the pier during unloading of LNG or Orimulsion." This is under the controlled approached of Fundy Traffic and on established shipping lanes."

The fear of Quoddy fishermen about exclusion from the operating area is borne out by the exclusion at St. John - "For safety reasons, Irving has requested a vessel exclusion zone, including commercial fishing activities, from waters near the proposed marine terminal during the construction and operation phases. Irving has had ongoing consultations with local fishermen potentially impacted by this project. A monitoring and follow up program will be required to document any changes in fishing activity in the project area and any unforeseen damage to fishing gear outside the exclusion zones and vessel traffic lanes."

90 tankers per year are expected for an equivalent displacement period of 180 days annually.

Reference:

http://www.gnb.ca/0009/0377/0002/0013-2-e.pdf

Required Approvals US

FERC – NGA ApprovalDOT/OPS – Exclusion ZonesCoast Guard – Vessel Operating PlanCorps of Engineers – Dredging, Wetland Filling, Alternative SitesNMFS, FWS – Endangered Species ActCoastal Zone Consistency DeterminationState Agency RequirementsMarine Mammal Act

Some Canadian Acts that must be considered *

*Canadian Environmental Assessment ActMigratory Birds Convention Act or current equivalent (DFO)Species at Risk ActVarious Provincial Acts (see gnb.ca Department of Environment and Local GovernmentDOT Canadian Coast Guard Approvals