Proposed plant triggers concerns - May. 27, 2010
By BARB RAYNER
barbrayn@nbnet.nb.ca
BLACKS HARBOUR – Some residents are concerned about the smell which could come from a salmon protein recovery plant being proposed by Cooke Aquaculture for 145 to 153 Brunswick St.
Concerns were expressed by Kim Glennie who lives on Hillside Drive. She said she was afraid the plant will affect her property value, add noise and affect air quality. She also expressed concerns that few people knew about the plans.
Nell Halse, vice-president of communications for Cooke Aquaculture, said they are working to establish a fish meal processing plant and the plan is to process the by-products from their salmon processing plants into fish meal and fish oil for use in the pet food industry.
Most of the odour associated with fish meal plants relates to the freshness of the raw material, she said, and the supply for the proposed plant would be coming from nearby sources.
As with all their operations, Halse said they welcome calls or e-mails from people in the community and have pledged to respond to concerns.
Local businessman Greg Hooper, who owns Hooper’s Convenience Store in the village, said he understands the concerns of those living nearby but noted there are rules and regulations which Cooke’s will have to follow.
He said the plant offers hope for the area.
“We have got to have industry in the harbour. It is an industrial harbour. If you’ve got two big industries in this harbour like Connors and Cooke’s that all benefits the village,” he said.
For the full story, see Friday’s Courier Weekend
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