Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Baldacci takes issue to White House - LNG in Bay of Fundy's Passamaquoddy Bay

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Maine Politicians just keep ignoring the real issue. This is the place were we Canadians make our living. It is a unique ecosystem that supports over a half billion dollar sustainable economy each year. It just isn't a place for heavy industry.

Many of the statements that are uttered by those supporting the LNG developments are from individuals who stand to gain personally and they are not concerned about their Canadian neighbours or for that matter, the international Quoddy community. Unfortunately, the press continues to carry half truths and outright lies that are perpetuated by the developers and  that seem to be sucked up greedily by the politicians.

Take the 100 vessels that go to Eastport and Bayside ports for example. Most years it's less than 100 actually. These are small coastal freighters carrying rock, wood pulp and fish for God's sake; not highly dangerous LNG and armed high speed security vessels.  Take a look at the photograph I prepared to scale. The little freighter that you see in front of a real LNG tanker is one of the largest ever to enter the Bay according to the Bangor Daily News. And the bulk of the ships are much smaller than this - tiny compared to an LNG tanker. see www.bayoffundy.ca/LNG/slideshow to learn why Canadian's are upset by the lack of understanding from their neighbours.

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http://www.bangordailynews.com/detail/122941.html

9/29/09 |   1 comment
Maine, Canada at odds over LNG

Premier's position 'unequivocal' as Baldacci takes issue to White House
By Kevin Miller
BDN Staff

AUGUSTA, Maine - Leaders of Maine and New Brunswick remain deadlocked over the issue of liquefied natural gas tankers in Head Harbor Passage despite recent pledges to work together on energy issues.

During a meeting in New Brunswick last week, the New England governors and premiers of eastern Canadian provinces discussed ways to work more cooperatively to turn the region into an energy powerhouse.

That spirit of cooperation doesn't appear to have thawed the ice jam between Maine and New Brunswick over LNG, however.

On Monday, New Brunswick Premier Shawn Graham reiterated his government's firm opposition to allowing LNG tankers to pass through Head Harbor Passage en route to LNG terminals that have been proposed for the Calais area.

"The province's position remains unequivocal: We oppose the proposed locating of an LNG terminal in Passamaquoddy Bay because of its impacts on New Brunswick," Graham wrote in a commentary published in the Telegraph-Journal newspaper in Saint John, New Brunswick.

"Our environment would be negatively affected, the tourism and environment-based economy of the region would suffer, and the safety and security of the region could be compromised."

A spokesman for Maine Gov. John Baldacci said the governor has seen the op-ed piece and disagrees with some of claims made by his counterpart north of the border. For instance, more than 100 large cargo ships transit the passage safely every year, spokesman David Farmer said.

The two men discussed the issue briefly during last week's summit but spent most of the time talking with the other leaders about areas of cooperation, such as helping bring more green and renewable energy to U.S. markets.

"We believe Maine has an international right to passage along these waters, and that's an area where we are in deep disagreement with the government in New Brunswick," Farmer said.

Baldacci has raised his concerns with representatives of the U.S. State Department, the Canadian government and with senior members of President Barack Obama's staff during a recent meeting at the White House.

There are several proposals for LNG facilities on the Maine side of Passamaquoddy Bay, none of which have received regulatory approval.

Canadian officials have threatened to block any LNG tankers from using Head Harbor Passage en route to the proposed facilities on safety and environmental grounds. The projects are strongly opposed by some residents on both sides of the border who contend that Passamaquoddy Bay with its powerful tides, inclement weather and fragile ecosystem is an inappropriate location for such large facilities.

Maine and U.S. officials contend Canada has no right to interfere with ships in the waterway. Some supporters of the Maine projects have accused Canadian officials of trying to block LNG in Maine in order to protect the financial interests of a new LNG terminal in Saint John built largely to sell gas to U.S. markets. The Canaport terminal is a partnership of New Brunswick-based Irving Oil and the energy company Repsol.

The provincial government is participating as an intervenor in the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's review of Downeast LNG's application for an import facility in Robbinston. But Graham made clear in his op-ed piece that FERC has no authority over ship traffic through what he considers Canadian waters.

"Decisions on where ships are allowed to transit fall within the jurisdiction of the government of Canada alone," he wrote.

Farmer said the governor is encouraged that New Brunswick is participating in the FERC review and hopes that the province will change its stance. But Maine's position is firm on the issue, Farmer added.

"We can't allow another country to determine what commerce we engage in," Farmer said. "It's LNG now, but it might be another commodity down the line."

Rob Wyatt of Downeast LNG said he is optimistic that Maine and New Brunswick will continue to work cooperatively on all energy matters, including LNG. The company hopes to have a final environmental impact statement from FERC by year's end.

"We are moving the process forward and working with everybody we can," Wyatt said.

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Beware the Call of Bay of Fundy's Sirens

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 Oil, coastal quarries, nuclear power, LNG, tidal power ... the call of Bay of Fundy Sirens has become louder and more persistent with each passing year. Even the proven natural wealth of this place and those special niches like the Quoddy Region fall under the spell of this insistent chorus that promises jobs and wealth.

Indeed, we seem unable to learn from our neighbours and friends. Read this familiar sad story from Alaska:

In the early 1970s, Big Oil wooed Alaskans with a seductive chorus promising jobs, riches, and risk-free oil development, pipeline transfer, and tanker transport. Alaska politicians fell under its spell.

Today Big Oil generates more than 85 percent of Alaska's operating revenues - and the song has changed. The tune is now militant and strident, as the industry demands ever more opportunity to drill and ever less regulation. This "opportunity" comes at the expense of deeply rooted indigenous cultures, family lifestyles, and businesses like commercial fishing and tourism that rely on Alaska's abundant natural resources.

But the same enchanting Siren music once tailored to Alaskans is currently playing for Floridians, Californians, and others who live on our seacoasts. From my perspective as a survivor of North America's largest oil spill--the 1989 Exxon Valdez--it seems too many politicians are falling under its spell. My advice to coastal residents in the Lower 48: Take heed.

We learned the hard way that Big Oil's promises were good only until authorizing laws were passed and permits approved. The industry promised, for instance, in the early 1970s to double hull its tankers to minimize the risk of spills. But it will take until 2015 - more than 40 years - for it to make good on this promise. That's too late for those of us in Prince William Sound. Ironically, too, 2015 will arrive long before the last of the toxic oil that spilled from the single-hulled Exxon Valdez is gone from our beaches--and long before our herring even begin to recover.

The once thriving multi-million dollar herring fisheries are nonexistent and the wildlife that feed on herring--well, it will recover whenever the herring recover. Maybe. Scientists make no promises.


It's worth reading the entire article here: Huffington Post, Posted: September 25, 2009 10:43 AM, Beware the Sirens of Big Oil http://www.huffingtonpost.com/riki-ott/beware-the-sirens-of-big_b_299809.html

Photo Credit Odysseus and the Sirens: wikipedia.com
Thanks to Vivian N.

Friday, September 25, 2009

Increase border security with Passenger Name Record data



From Jane's Security News Briefs:

Data is an essential resource in the fight against terrorism, organized crime and other trans-border criminal activities.

Whilst legacy Advanced Passenger Information Systems (APIS) have been in use since the late 1980s, the data they provide is often inaccurate, in an unusable format or provided too late to be actionable. Interactive Advanced Passenger Information Systems (iAPIS), developed in the late 1990s, resolved these issues and have been successfully adopted in many countries.

Passenger Name Record (PNR) systems now take things a step further. PNR data:

* originates from airlines' reservations systems and contains additional personal information that can help identify high-risk travellers who are not on a 'no-fly' or 'watch' list.

* can be used to aid criminal investigations, tracking the movements of suspects, showing how they paid for their tickets and so on.

* enables border authorities to focus on high-risk travellers, allowing the majority of passengers to move across borders quickly and smoothly.

Personal data can be sensitive and while several governments have placed restrictions on its distribution, this isn't a problem when border management solutions, such as SITA's, can make the necessary exclusions.

To find out more about PNR and our border security know-how, please read our new briefing paper, "PNR Risk Analysis Leads Border Security Fight Against Terrorism".

Download the briefing paper now

Photo Credit: Art MacKay

Canadian Beaver Stalls LNG Tanker in Head Harbour Passage

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Great cartoon from the Telegraph Journal: http://telegraphjournal.canadaeast.com/opinion/article/801594

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

LNG - The 1st LNG Facility in 30 years in the Bay of Fundy's Passamaquoddy Bay?

This presentation is well worth watching, but, clearly this feature by MPBN's Main Watch has a bias towards the development of the two LNG terminals at Robbinston and Calais and, frankly, makes the opponents seem like a bunch of huggies.

But ... flash.... there is good news!! Rob Wyatt of Downeast LNG finally got it!!! We Canadians oppose these two proposals because of, as he stated, our "self interest economics". Wow, he is right, we are protecting an eco-economy that brings in a half billion to a billion dollars each year and employs thousands of individuals over here on the Canadian side through tourism, fisheries, aquaculture, research, education, and other sustainable industries that thrive on the economic backdrop of this very, very special ecosystem. You're right Rob .... it IS about the money. Ahhh ... isn't that why you are in the business? Or are you and Dean into altruistic endeavo(u)rs now. Yes, of course you are!!!

That's my opinion tonight. Watch the video at MPBN and then send your comments right here.

PS. As the US Coast Guard has already corrected Downeast LNG in their FERC submissions ... no tankers go to the Bayside port, only modest coastal freighters carrying aggregate, fish, and other none inflammable products. Just for fun, I did a mockup to scale showing the "largest" ship to enter Passamaquoddy Bay (I think that's what the Bangor Daily News called it) and an honest to goodness LNG tanker for comparison. Sorry folks, there is little comparison in length or height! LNG tankers are huge and would just about fit across Head Harbour Passage at Green Island Shoals ... make a great bridge for the folks from Campobello!!


The 1st LNG Facility in 30 years - Video at MPBN


Shared via AddThis

Photo Credit: Bangor Daily News and LNG tanker - unknown . Photoshop composite by Art MacKay

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Bay of Fundy right whale numbers rebound

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Record number of calves born this year  
Friday, September 18, 2009 | 7:06 PM AT Comments30 CBC News
Conservation efforts in the Bay of Fundy appear to be paying off for the endangered North Atlantic right whale, with a record 39 calves being born this year.Conservation efforts in the Bay of Fundy appear to be paying off for the endangered North Atlantic right whale, with a record 39 calves being born this year. (CBC)

Thirty years of conservation efforts in the Bay of Fundy appear to be paying off for the North Atlantic right whale, one of the rarest large mammals on earth, scientists say.

The species, once headed for extinction, is experiencing a baby boom, with 39 calves born this year, and 37 of them surviving.

That's the largest number documented since researchers from Boston's New England Aquarium started monitoring the whales in the Bay, off the basin of Grand Manan, N.B. The previous record was 31, set in 2001.

"I'd like to think we're moving towards a success story, of right whales being a success story in conservation," said Dr. Moira Brown, a Canadian biologist, who is leading the research team.
The goal is to help keep the right whales safe by documenting how many there are using photographs and an online database, tracking their habits and movements.

Read entire article here: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/new-brunswick/story/2009/09/18/nb-right-whales.html

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Downeast LNG continues to experience difficulties with LNG Application in Bay of Fundy

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Map Credit: Gulf of Maine Times

In spite of the criticisms from Governor Baldacii,Senator Collins and other Maine politicians, Downeast LNG continues to encounter problems in their FERC application to the US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Missing information must be supplied within 20 days.Canadian participation remains elusive.


Art

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FERC Requests Additional Environmental Information from Downeast LNG; Delays FEIS
Posted: September 15, 2009


Yesterday FERC issued a request for additional environmental data to Downeast LNG on several issues ranging from whale strike avoidance plans to air emissions modeling. FERC also addressed vapor dispersion distances, noting that Downeast's current analysis is "not sufficient" to demonstrate that vapor could not disperse beyond areas under Downeast LNG's legal control. FERC requests that Downeast LNG file its responses within 20 days and notes that following Downeast LNG's submission of the required information, "[FERC] will determine the schedule for completion of the final [Environmental Impact Statement]." This appears to delay the issuance of the final EIS beyond the previously set date of September 18, 2009. Find FERC's request in the eLibrary under Docket No. CP07-52.

From: http://www.lnglawblog.com/BlogEntry.aspx?_entry=3cedf366-c30d-411b-8cfc-0e2059ef606c

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Bay of Fundy Whales "Speak Out" on the Threat of LNG at Quoddy

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As we have indicated through blog posts and photos from contributors in the Quoddy area, Head Harbour Passage is filled will finbacks, humpbacks, minkes, porpoise and even endangered right whales, not to mention thousands of birds, tuna, sunfish, basking sharks and more (see ilovequoddywild.blogspot.com and quoddylinkmarine.blogspot.com).

In spite of the obvious unsuitability of this passage for gigantic LNG tankers, high-powered tugs, and fast, armed security boats, Maine senators in Washington and Augusta, the Governor of Maine, and maybe, just maybe, the premier of New Brunswick don't seem to understand why this place is so valuable economically and ecologically. It isn't that they haven't been told, that's for sure.

Well, now the whales are "speaking out" through Quoddy community members whose lives are dependent on this special place. The links below are the submissions that have been sent to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in opposition to LNG terminals in Passamaquoddy Bay and tanker passage through Head Harbour Passage at Campobello. We ignore these messages at our own peril.

Docket(s):   CP07-52-000
Filing Type:  Comment on Filing
Description:  Comment of Art A. MacKay in Docket(s)/Project(s) CP07-52-000
Submission Date: 6/19/2009
To view the document for this Filing, click here 
http://elibrary.FERC.gov/idmws/file_list.asp?accession_num=20090619-5133
 
Docket(s):   CP07-52-000
Filing Type:  Comment on Filing
Description:  Comment of Dale Mitchell in Docket(s)/Project(s) CP07-52-000
Submission Date: 6/10/2009
To view the document for this Filing, click here 
http://elibrary.FERC.gov/idmws/file_list.asp?accession_num=20090611-5132
 
Docket(s):   CP07-52-000
Filing Type:  Comment on Filing
Description:  Comment of Fred  Whoriskey, JR in Docket(s)/Project(s) CP07-52-000
Submission Date: 7/3/2009
To view the document for this Filing, click here 
http://elibrary.FERC.gov/idmws/file_list.asp?accession_num=20090706-5170 
Docket(s):   CP07-52-000
   CP07-53-000
   CP07-53-001
Filing Type:  Comment on Filing
Description:  Comments of Brian William Flynn on the Downeast LNG import facility under CP07-53, et. al..
To view the document for this Filing, click here 
http://elibrary.FERC.gov/idmws/file_list.asp?accession_num=20090908-5013
 
Docket(s):   CP07-52-000
Filing Type:  Comment on Filing
Description:  Comment of Arthur A. MacKay. Current whale, bird, fish and human activity in Head Harbour Passage shows importance of ecosystem under CP07-52.
To view the document for this Filing, click here 
http://elibrary.FERC.gov/idmws/file_list.asp?accession_num=20090910-5004 
Docket(s):   CP07-52-000
   CP07-53-000
   CP07-53-001
Filing Type:  Comment on Filing
Description:  Comment of Save Passamaquoddy Bay regarding whale safety from LNG ship strikes under CP07-52 et al.
To view the document for this Filing, click here 
http://elibrary.FERC.gov/idmws/file_list.asp?accession_num=20090916-5006
 
Docket(s):   PF08-24-000
Filing Type:  Comment on Filing
Description:  Comment of Joyce Morrell, member of Save Passamaquoddy Bay Canada Inc. under PF08-24.
To view the document for this Filing, click here 
http://elibrary.FERC.gov/idmws/file_list.asp?accession_num=20090916-5012 
Photo Credit: Tim Foulkes

Maine's Governor Baldacii thinks FERC should Dictate Canadian Policy in the Bay of Fundy ... HELLO?

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It gets worse and worse. According to the Telegraph Journal today, John Baldacii seems to think we should all bow to American wishes and let the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (or worse, carpetbagger Dean Girdis from Downeast LNG) dictate access through Head Harbour Passage!

Baldaccii, Collins, Raye and other US politicians support their constituents, but it's not okay for Canadian politicians to do the same? Our eco-economy here in Quoddy is over a half billion dollars each year. Would you risk that for a maximum of 75 jobs, no revenues, huge expense,and unreasonable risk and disruption?

This is a unique and important place for whales, fish, birds, invertebrates and the thousands of humans that are supported by an "eco-economy" that brings in well over a half billion dollars each year based on these natural assets.

Apparently, unless it spews out smoke and pollution it's not a valid part of the economy. Well, our unique place is part of a vibrant economy based on this special ecosystem and turning Quoddy into an industrial port and production centre is just not a sensible option for most of us who have taken the time to learn about Quoddy. See ilovequoddywild.blogspot.com for the real reason we are protecting this unique and special place from the uninformed. Currently Head Harbour Passage is plugged with whales, birds, fish and other marine life including endangered right whales. This is the foundation on which Quoddy has survived for 10,000 years!

We are still a sovereign country - aren't we?

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Governor critical of hard line on LNG

Published Wednesday September 16th, 2009




SAINT JOHN - The governor of Maine says the Canadian government is unfairly taking a hard line on plans for liquefied natural gas terminals near the New Brunswick-Maine border.

In Saint John on Tuesday, John Baldacci said the government is flatly rejecting the controversial projects, without waiting for the federal regulator in the United States to weigh their merits.
Instead, Baldacci contends Ottawa is letting heated emotions and rural politics determine its position on the LNG issue.
Baldacci, in Saint John for two days of meetings between eastern Canadian premiers and New England governors, said both Canadian and American officials should respect the ultimate decision of the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
"There's a process to follow," he told the Telegraph-Journal in an interview. "It just seems like this particular issue is transcending the process. It seems like Ottawa is sending signals that it is not going to adhere to the process through FERC.
"That to me is unacceptable."
Baldacci said the two countries must follow the rules set out for cross-border disputes - whether they involve LNG or lumber or potatoes.
"You can't pick and choose," he said. "It just seems like this is being done more on emotions and local politics."
The LNG debate mainly centres around a proposed terminal in Robbinston, Maine - directly across from St. Andrews on the Canadian side of the Passamaquoddy Bay.
That project, being developed by Downeast LNG, is now being considered by FERC. A second LNG project in the Calais area is also proposed, but has not yet been presented to FERC for consideration.
The Canadian government has already said it will forbid LNG tankers to enter the Bay.
The federal government considers the area internal waters, but it is also the only route available for tankers to access the proposed terminal sites in Maine.
On Tuesday, Baldacci was quick to dismiss Ottawa's argument.
"I don't think it's a legal position," he said. "The federal regulator is not going to make a decision that's bad for either side, because this is something we're both going to have to live with."
Baldacci said the province must file all of its complaints and concerns with FERC, and then let the regulator make the final decision.
"But once they've made their decision, that's it," he said.
Premier Shawn Graham appears to agree with Baldacci's take on the issue - let FERC figure it out.

 See entire article here:  http://telegraphjournal.canadaeast.com/front/article/793058

Photo Credit: Telegraph Journal

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Opponent to LNG in Quoddy Refutes Irving Oil Involvement

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Well the Irving interests have finally spoken out about their position on LNG in Maine which is, by-the-by, basically LNG in Passamaquoddy Bay where LNG promoters have continually implied that those of us who oppose LNG development here are nothing but "shills" for the Irvings. In particular, Dean Girdis of Downeast LNG continually pushes forward with this theme in the press and other public venues.


It just ain't so Dean!

But, nothing we say seems to change Dean's continual harping on the subject. Well, the Irvings have finally made a public statement.



I have been intimately involved with the Quoddy LNG debacle since it began years ago and I am here to say that, to my knowledge, the Irvings never attempted to influence the position or work of Save Passamaquoddy Bay or individuals involved in this struggle. In fact, I did make one attempt to get their views at the beginning and the word came back that they would not take any position on the development of LNG in Passamaquoddy Bay. Clearly they did not want to be involved and they have maintained that stance until this week. It seems Dean has finally broken their silence with his constant yammering. I wonder how he will twist this to his needs?


That's my opinion tonight.

Art MacKay


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Irving says it won't fight Maine LNG projects
But critics have doubts, and the Canadian company has reason to try to boost its image here.
By TUX TURKEL, Staff Writer September 2, 2009


The Canadian parent company of Irving Oil has written U.S. energy regulators to say it does not and will not oppose development of liquefied natural gas terminals in Maine.

The letter was sent Tuesday to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission from Fort Reliance, which has substantial energy investments in eastern Canada and New England.

The timing aligns with a new and evolving campaign by Fort Reliance/Irving to clarify its public image in Maine. The company wants to change perceptions and blunt criticism that it has fought liquefied natural gas projects here while co-developing a terminal in Saint John, New Brunswick, that now pipes gas through Maine.

"We just want to set the record straight, both with FERC and the people of Maine," said Daniel Goodwin, a Fort Reliance spokesman.

Read the entire article here:http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=280673&ac=PHbiz