NB Power extends deadline for public input on Mactaquac future

NB Power has scheduled public information sessions for May on the future of the Mactaquacdam and generating station.

The Crown utility has also extended the deadline for public input until the end of May andreleased a new discussion paper on itswebsite.

The Mactaquac hydro dam, operating on the St. John river west of Fredericton since 1968,provides 12 per centof the province's electricity, according to the document.

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But due to an unanticipated chemical reaction in its concrete structures, the generating station's life expectancy is expected to end in 2030.

NB Power hopes to make a decision on the dam'sfuture by the end of this year and is looking at three options,includingrebuilding the power station, removing the power station but keeping the dam and 97-kilometreheadpond, and removing the power station and the dam, which would allowthe river to return to its natural shape and flow.

According to the utility, any of the options will cost a minimum of $2 billion, an expense that will be picked up by rate payers and replacing the power station could raise the cost to as much as $5 billion.

If the power station is not replaced, another source of renewable energy would have to be found to help meet a legislated requirementthat 40 per cent of the province's electricity sales come from renewables by 2020.

While not described as an option, the discussion paper notes NB Power continues to look for ways to repair the existing power station to extend its life beyond 2030.

A "partial insitu rebuild was determined to be worthy of evaluation," said the document. "Under this approach only some of the concrete around key mechanical components would be replaced. The remainder would be left in place."

There is no mention of a cost estimate or timeline for that scenario.

The three new public sessions were announced Thursday.

• May17,Fredericton
• May18,Mactaquac
• May19,Woodstock

Times and exact locations for the sessions have not yet been announced.