N.B. would get $13M in spinoffs if shale gas sector proceeds: study

FREDERICTON - A new study says each gas well in New Brunswick would generate about $13 million in economic spinoffs if the province were to forge ahead with a shale gas industry.

The report by Deloitte says there would be opportunities for companies in the province to provide support services such as equipment rentals and transportation.

The study, which was done for the New Brunswick Business Council, estimates each well would create about 21 jobs.

But an alliance of community groups issued a statement today in response to the study, saying the foundation upon which it is based is weak as are its conclusions.

There has been strong opposition from people concerned that the wells could contaminate groundwater supplies.

A number of companies are exploring for shale gas in the province.

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  Shale gas protesters, including First Nations, environmentalists and area residents, have set up along Route 126, about eight kilometres north of Moncton since early June. (CTV Atlantic)