FREDERICTON -- Scientists have been hired by NB Power to provide research on the potential environmental affects of changes to Mactaquac Dam near Fredericton.
The Crown utility says the Canadian Rivers Institute and its partners will evaluate the environmental challenges related to the future of the dam, including river health, the impact on fish, and the management of water flow.
Earlier this year, NB Power president Gaetan Thomas said he planned studies and public consultation on the future of the 653-megawatt hydroelectric facility.
For the past 45 years, the dam has been a reliable and clean source of power in New Brunswick, but faulty concrete is forcing NB Power to decide its future well ahead of the century it was expected to last.
The dam reaches the end of its lifespan by 2030 and NB Power has to decide whether to rebuild it with a new powerhouse and spillway; maintain the earthen dam and spillway only; or restore the river to its natural state.
The dam produces enough electricity to meet about 20 per cent of the province's energy needs.
In announcing the appointment of the Canadian Rivers Institute,Thomas said the future of the dam needs to be determined during the next three years.
"We are proud to work with some of the best aquatic research scientists in the world to ensure sound science is at the heart of our choice," he said in a statement. "This is just the start of a public conversation about the future of this generating station. We have some of the answers, but not all of them."
NB Power is spending $2.3 million in research funding to the institute over the next three years.
The utility says it has to make a decision on the dam's future by 2016 because of regulatory approval, design and site work that will be needed.
