Fuel-carrying barges on Mackenzie River raise concerns

Transport Canada continues hearings on Tuesday to get public input into the possible environmental impact of fuel-carrying barges docked during the winter on the banks of the Mackenzie River.

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

The docking process 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 does not 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 River from 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 help form 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 industry are aiming to build a natural gas pipeline through the Mackenzie Valley in the Northwest Territories to join established lines in Alberta.

The National Energy Board approved the project earlier this year.