The controversial Spruce Lake Industrial Park expansion in Saint John’s Lorneville community has passed its final hurdle.
New Brunswick’s Department of Environment approved the environmental impact assessment for the project earlier this week.
The certificate of determination, issued on Wednesday, includes more than 20 conditions that the proponent must follow.
It comes less than two months after Saint John council approved the required zoning and municipal plan amendments needed for the project.
Saint John plans to add more than 1,500 acres of “pad-ready” land to the industrial park, describing it as a once-in-a-generation opportunity.
Officials with Saint John Industrial Parks said the smallest parcel of land is larger than all of the available land in the city’s existing parks today.
But residents from near and far have voiced their concerns about the expansion, with dozens expressing their opposition during a public hearing that continued over three meetings.
One of the sticking points has been a lack of information about what corporations may be looking to come to the community.
Council previously heard there is formalized interest for a data centre project and a green manufacturing project with a combined capital investment of more than $2 billion.
Only “non-emitting industries” — those without smokestacks — would be allowed. Several land uses would be prohibited, asphalt plants, petroleum refineries, metal shredding and scrap or salvage yards.
The city would also require professional risk assessments, which it said would ensure potential risks are either prevented or adequately mitigated.
Residents are also concerned about the loss of trees, the impact on wetlands and how any development could affect their well water.
Just three people spoke in favour of the expansion as the months-long public hearing concluded on June 16, including representatives from Envision Saint John, the regional growth agency, and Port Saint John.
Save Lorneville, a community group opposing the project, said it was “extremely disappointed” that councillors “unanimously rammed through” the approval.
“This assault on a community and the environment is just the beginning of what is to come for not just our area, but the city and province as a whole,” spokesperson Adam Wilkins said Friday in response to the approval of the environmental impact assessment.
