Fundy Baykeeper has been working with Friends of Rockwood Park and other groups in Saint John to oppose the construction of a natural gas export pipeline through the city’s largest green space, Rockwood Park.  This pipeline would connect the Irving/Repsol liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal and regasification plant with US markets. 

    These groups propose, instead, that the pipeline run underwater through an area of degraded seabed just outside Saint John Harbour. This would prevent the destruction of portions of Rockwood Park and various areas around Saint John and eliminate future pipeline fire and explosion risks in the city. 

    The pipeline company, Maritime and Northeast Pipeline, will submit their preferred route through Rockwood Park to the National Energy Board (NEB) for approval.  If the company does not submit an underwater route for consideration, the NEB will not consider it, putting the citizens’ coalition at a distinct advantage.

    To date, the company has steadfastly refused to entertain the underwater route, citing increased costs and risks to their workers, even though there are thousands of kilometres of underwater pipeline throughout the world including running from Sable Island gas fields in the northwest Atlantic to shore on Cape Breton.  NEB hearings are expected to begin in the fall.