NB Power says it is beginning a new phase of gathering public input on the future of the Mactaquac Dam.
According to the utility’s website, the generating station began operating in 1968 and has the capacity to generate 670 megawatts of energy using the flow of water through six turbines. The station supplies about 12 per cent of New Brunswick homes and businesses with clean, low-cost power, says NB Power.
But the Mactaquac Dam is likely to reach the end of its life by 2030 due to issues with the facility’s concrete, and the utility is seeking public input on what should be done with the dam.
NB Power announced Monday that it will hold open house meetings in communities along the St. John River next month. A new website is also seeking public input on three possible options for the generating station.
“Everybody gets a chance to speak if they want, and they’re able to voice their opinion on what option is preferable to them,” says Upper Kingsclear resident Tom Spink, who has already attended a few meetings about the dam’s future.
The utility is asking for the public’s input on three options, which include building a new generating station, stop making power but leave the dam in place, or move everything an allow the river to return to its natural flow.
NB Power says each of those options could cost as much as $3 billion, but a fourth option remains on the table. NB Power President Gaetan Thomas says they could repair the dam’s concrete problem, which would extend its life beyond 2030.
“They say, ‘you have your mind made up.’ That is not the case,” says Thomas.
He says, in addition to cost, NB Power must also consider possible environmental and social impacts when determining the dam’s future. An environmental impact assessment will be conducted, with plans to make a recommendation by fall 2016.
“The final decision will be around 2019, so we still have a lot of time.”
With files from CTV Atlantic's Nick Moore
