NB Power stonewalling public on Coleson Cove plans: group

NB Poweris trying to avoid a proper assessment of its plan to burn petroleum coke at the Coleson Cove generating station, an environmental group says.

The Conservation Council of New Brunswick says the plan could pose a health risk to Saint John residents. Petroleum coke — a byproduct of the oil refining process — isa cheaper fuel than oil or coal, but it creates dust when it is burned.

David Thompson, spokesman for the council, says Saint Johners deserve to be informed of the plan and are calling on the government to get involved.

"What we're requesting is that there be public meetings in the community," Thompson said Tuesday. "We're not interested in open houses, we're not interested in news releases to the public. We want meetings where people can get together in a town hall style, discuss this and ask their questions, and we will accept no less."

Ifthe government refuses to do this, Thompson said, the council will organize its own public meetings.

City residents complained in 1990 when 22 tonnes of petroleum coke was unloaded at the port, leavinga black, oily film to coat much of the south end.