August 27, 2016 – NB Power says the decision-making process about the future of Mactaquac Generating Station has reached another milestone with the completion of environmental, social, scientific and public engagement reports—all of which are available online for public viewing.

Those final reports include the Comparative Environmental Review (CER), Social Impact Comparative Review and What Was Said, along with a Mactaquac Aquatic Ecosystem Study executed by the Canadian Rivers Institute.

The Mactaquac GS is expected to reach the end of its service life by 2030 because of expansion problems with its concrete structures. NB Power has identified three possible end-of-life options for the station, including:

• building a new generating station
• removing all structures to allow the river to return to a natural flow
• leaving the dam in place, but no power generation

The utility says it is also considering making substantive repairs by modifying maintenance programs to prolong the station’s life to around 2068.

NB Power says it is working closely with First Nations through a separate Aboriginal consultation process that will ensure “their rights and interests are taken into account during the selection of a preferred option”. This process has been underway since 2013 and will address issues and opportunities arising from any potential project at the generating station.

“It’s clear that our customers have strong and informed opinions, as well as many shared values, which will be considered carefully as we move toward a decision later this year,” said NB Power president and CEO Gaëtan Thomas.

In late 2016, NB Power will recommend a future path for the station. Following that, the project will be subject to the appropriate regulatory processes.

For more information on the project and the full reports, visit Mactaquac.ca .

IMAGE shows Option #2, leaving the dam in place, but no power generation. Courtesy NB Power.

— SEE ALSO Fate of Mactaquac GS to move ahead with open houses.