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 Approval

DOT/OPS – Exclusion Zones
Coast Guard – Vessel Operating Plan
Corps of Engineers – Dredging, Wetland Filling, Alternative Sites
NMFS, FWS – Endangered Species Act
Coastal Zone Consistency Determination
State Agency Requirements
Marine Mammal Act

Some Canadian Acts that must be considered *

*Canadian Environmental Assessment Act

Migratory Birds Convention Act or current equivalent (DFO)
Species at Risk Act
Various Provincial Acts (see gnb.ca Department of Environment and
Local Government
DOT Canadian Coast Guard Approvals