Tantramar gas plant approved with 45 strict conditions
The New Brunswick government has approved ProEnergy’s 500‑megawatt gas plant in Tantramar, setting out dozens of environmental rules the company must follow before any construction can begin.
The Department of Environment and Local Government says 45 conditions have been imposed following a detailed environmental impact assessment review.
Conditions cover air‑quality limits, groundwater protection, wildlife monitoring, wastewater management, emergency planning and long‑term oversight.
The review involved experts from more than 20 provincial, federal and local agencies.
Officials stated that the assessment investigated potential impacts on air quality, human health, groundwater sustainability, wetlands, and wildlife.
It concluded that the proposed mitigations and the 45 conditions sufficiently address all environmental risks identified during the process.
Seven conditions must be met before construction can begin, and five more before the plant can operate.
Additional requirements apply throughout the life of the project, including air‑quality monitoring, groundwater testing and wildlife protection measures.
Air quality, fuel limits and groundwater safeguards
The facility is expected to operate primarily in synchronous condensing mode, which stabilizes the grid by using renewable energy already on the system.
Power generation would occur between seven and 17 per cent of operating hours, depending on system stress events such as outages at major generating stations.
Natural gas will be the primary fuel source, with diesel permitted only as a backup.
The department says ProEnergy must report any diesel use and stay within provincial air‑quality limits.
The company will be required to install an air‑quality monitor connected to the province’s public network, allowing near real‑time tracking.
Groundwater sustainability was a major focus of the review.
Ten conditions set limits on well pumping rates, require long‑term monitoring and outline steps the company must take if nearby private wells are affected.
Officials said any complaints from residents would trigger an investigation by ProEnergy’s consultants, followed by departmental review.
Wetland impacts were also assessed, with the company estimating about 10 hectares of wetland loss.
Compensation and mitigation measures are included in the conditions.
Minister says risks are minimal and oversight will be strict
Environment and Climate Change Minister Gilles LePage said he relied on the advice of an independent technical review committee made up of provincial, federal and local experts.
He said concerns raised by First Nations, stakeholders and residents were considered throughout the review.
LePage said a human‑health risk assessment found the risks to be “negligible to minimal”
He also addressed concerns about emissions and climate impacts.
“The emissions on this one are kept to the minimum … at what the stage that they told us that they will operate. Of course if they’re if they go beyond that … we will have to reassess, and they will have to submit another plan and mitigation plan,” LePage said.
LePage said the department is strengthening its environmental rules and expects ProEnergy to meet every requirement.
“We are improving on a daily basis in our department. The proponents are aware of this. I’m very confident that this project will minimize the impact on human health,” he said.
