Fuel-carrying barges on Mackenzie River raise concerns

Transport Canadacontinues hearingson Tuesdaytoget public input intothe possibleenvironmental impact of fuel-carrying barges dockedduring the winter on the banks ofthe Mackenzie River.

The federal department says the public has raised concerns thatthe ships, whichcan sit for months frozen into shoreline ice,could leak fuel into the river.

The dockingprocess is called over-wintering, and has been used since the 1970s.

"There is some concern that this practice could have environmental effects," says Glynnis Hutchings,a Transport Canada spokeswoman based in Winnipeg. "We want to look at that with the purpose of mining any possible effect to the environment."

Transport Canada doesnot prohibit storing fuel in barges frozen in ice. But barge operators must follow federal regulations to ensure fuel is stored and transported safely.

Hearing already held in Inuvik

Tuesday's meeting is in Hay Riverfrom 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.at the Don Stewart Recreation Centre. It follows a public meeting in Inuvik earlier this month.

The department says information from these sessions will helpform recommendations about safe storage of fuel in barges.

Concerns were first raised during the environmental review process for the Mackenzie Gas Project last year.

Government and industryareaiming tobuild a natural gas pipeline through the Mackenzie Valleyin the Northwest Territoriesto join established lines in Alberta.

The National Energy Board approvedthe project earlier this year.