Irving Oil said Thursday that it has submitted an environmental impact statement (EIS) for its previously announced New Brunswick liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal. After the government reviews the project and details are released to the public, a final government decision would follow within 60 to 90 days.

The C$500 million LNG plant would be built at Irving Oil’s existing Canaport deepwater terminal about 60 miles from the U.S. border. Canaport covers 1,802 acres, has a water depth of 128 feet at low tide and is connected by pipelines to the Irving Oil Refinery five miles away. The terminal would have a sendout capacity of 750 MMcf/d. It is expected to be in service in 2006.

Gary Bischof, general manager of processing and transportation at Irving Oil, called the EIS a “significant milestone. After close to three years of assessing the environmental impact and the benefits of the project, we have submitted the results to government for their review. This project will build on existing energy infrastructure in the region to enhance the platform for future investment and economic opportunities.”

The project was first announced in July 2001. Early and thorough public consultation on the project has included three public meetings in Saint John to address questions from the public and over 50 additional stakeholder sessions. This has ensured the involvement of the community in the environmental assessment process. With the EIS submission, the company’s permit application enters the final stages of the environmental impact assessment process.

Founded in 1924, Irving Oil serves customers in Eastern Canada, Quebec and New England with a range of finished energy products, including gasoline, diesel, home heating fuel, jet fuel and complementary products and services. Irving Oil’s 250,000 b/d Saint John refinery is Canada’s largest.

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