2nd Irving refinery a done deal, residents say

Irving Oil's proposed second refinery in Saint John is probably a done deal, some local residents believe, andthey say it'snotnecessarily a bad thing.

It was announced this week that the federal government's environmental impact assessment will focus only on how the project infrastructure will affect the coastline. Air quality concerns will be part of the province's EIA.

Rick Murphy of Champlain Heights, near the existing refinery on the city's east side, says the refinery project planned for the Red Head Road-area will probably go ahead, and people livingthere should brace themselves for a more polluted neighbourhood.

He said all planners can do is hope the provincial review will ensure it's as clean a project as possible.

"When you're within a stone's throw of the refinery, and a refinery that big it's half a city down there you're definitely going to get some pollution from the refinery, regardless of what they do," he said.

At the same time, Murphy said he equates this new refinery with better-paying jobs for the area. The proposed facility would be the first refinery built in North America in 25 years

"I guess the concerns with environmental issues at this point, I don't suspect either level of government is going to let things just absolutely go scot-free," Murphy said. "I guess my current feeling is, I hope it goes forward, and if it was a done deal that certainly wouldn't be a negative to me."

Meanwhile, Sonya Ryan, who can see the first refinery from her home on Loch Lomond Road, said she wouldwelcome a second refinery as part of the Saint John landscape.

"You know, I'm looking forward to seeing one there, really," she said. "With gas and oil and all the threats and everything, I think we need another one."

Ryan expects the proposed refinery will be built, but she believes the provincial environmental impact assessment will be exact.