High-pressure gas lines unusual in cities: expert

An expert on pipeline routes says Saint John residentsshould carefully weigh the consequences of allowingthe construction of ahigh-pressure pipelinethrough the city.

Richard Kuprewitz testified at the National Energy Board hearings on behalf of the community group Friends of Rockwood Park, which opposes the project.

Kuprewitz says the NEB and the cityshould be clear with residents that it is unusual to build ahigh-pressure export pipeline running through a heavily populated city.

Kuprewitz, a pipeline consultant from Washington state, says he's concerned too many people are fixated on getting the pipeline approved quickly. He says that could result in a reckless decision.

"It appears to be a classic example of space shuttle syndrome where there's a timing driving an agenda," he said.

Kuprewitz believes the consequences of a pipeline rupture have been underestimated.

But the pipeline company says it has already upgraded the pipe it would use on the proposed line, and it continues to work with the fire department on safety concerns.

Emera spokesman Steve Rankin says the proposed pipeline is safe.

"The newer pipelines operate at this level of pressure. The older ones do not simplybecause pipeline technology has improved over the last decades."

The Saint John lateral pipelinebuilt six years ago uses a smaller width of pipe and pressure in that line was stepped down considerably, because it was running though the city's downtown.