The focus for the Hebron Public Review will turn to the environment today, as potential opportunities for environmentally focused businesses and potential risks associated with development of the Hebron project are brought to light by presenters at the Delta hotel in St. John’s.
The Fish, Food and Allied Workers’ Union president Earle McCurdy is expected to touch on points made in a written submission, particularly on concerns within the union over the environmental risk associated with continued development offshore and how to mitigate these risks.
He has stated, for example, more local research is required around the impacts of seismic activity and changes to groundfish catches being reported anecdotally in areas where there is ongoing work by the oil and gas industry.
The FFAW has also warned a marine land grab is in progress — with the potential to force the traditional fishing industry off its prime territory on the Grand Banks.
“Over time, the acreages of exploratory licences, significant discovery licences and production licences amount to considerable land ‘ownership’ on the Grand Banks,” McCurdy has stated.
- Read more special articles :
- - One industry risking another: McCurdy
- - Changing the health and safety model
- - RDC calls for new agency
- - NDP wants independent offshore safety regulator
Aside from the FFAW, presenters are expected to include biologist and ocean scientist Bill Montevecchi, the Alder Institute (a non-profit collective based in Tors Cove) and the Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industries Association. The latter is expected to speak to potential opportunities for local businesses within the environmental study, preparation and monitoring of the Hebron project.
On Wednesday — scheduled to be the closing session for the Hebron review — Nature Newfoundland and Labrador (formerly the Natural History Society of Newfoundland and Labrador) will speak to the Hebron project’s handling of produced water, plans to address any operational discharges and the subject of noise and light pollution offshore.
Find more on the Hebron Public Review Commission’s sessions to date at The Telegram’s site for comprehensive Hebron review coverage.
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
