Irving registering second refinery for environmental review

Irving Oil is registering its plans for a second oil refinery in Saint John for an Environmental Impact Assessment, even though the company hasn't found a financial partner yet.

"We're very excited to share that we've decided to begin the EIA process with the province and the federal government," spokesman Kevin Scott said.

Scott said the company is going ahead with an Environmental Impact Assessment, even though the refinery won't go ahead unless a partner is found, because Irving Oil wanted to get started on the two-year process.

It's a step toward what the company says would be the largest private-sector development in Atlantic Canadian history, but not everyone was applauding the Thursday announcement. Some Saint Johners fear the impact the project could haveonthe environment, especially local air quality.

Gordon Dalzell of the Saint John Clean Air Coalition was among a small group of refinery opponents at the announcement.

"No matter what, we could never really support this project," Dalzell said. "It's just a matter of conscience to be able to stand up and clap when they made the announcement. It's just not something we could do in the environmental community."

Saint John already has air-quality problems due to several industrial operations, including the existing refinery, paper mills, and power plants, Dalzell said.

But many at the lunchtime press conference saw the registering ofthe multibillion dollar project for a lengthy and expensive assessment as good news. The second refinery is expected to create about 1,000 jobs in the city and could cost between $5 billion and $7 billion.

"We campaigned on an energy hub for Saint John," said New Brunswick Energy Minister Jack Keir. "I'm pretty sure a second refinery fits that mould pretty well."

"I have no concerns at this time that there's going to be any negative impact on the environment," said Bob Manning, spokesman for the Saint John Board of Trade.

Irving Oil already operates Canada's largest oil refinery in the east end of Saint John.That refinery processes 300,000 barrels of oil per day. The second refinery is expected to be the same size.