After announcing last fall that it was
seriously exploring the opportunity to build a second refinery in Saint John, Irving Oil is starting the environmental permitting process by submitting for registration a Project Description of its proposed new refinery with the provincial and federal regulatory authorities. This filing is intended to initiate the provincial and federal environmental impact assessment processes that are expected to be required for the project. The proposed new refinery, with a capacity of up to 300,000 barrels per day, would be located near the existing Irving Canaport deepwater crude receiving terminal in the Red Head area of Saint John, N.B.
The new facility is intended to respond to the need for additional refining capacity in the Northeast, contribute to Canada's development as an "energy superpower" and New Brunswick's goal of economic self-sufficiency, and support Saint John's True Growth strategy. It would add to the competitive position of the New Brunswick energy hub by complementing existing energy infrastructure and create more opportunities for new projects and companies to invest in the region. Together with the existing Saint John Refinery, this new investment would create a combined total of up to 600,000 barrels per day of refining production capacity.
A new refinery would cost approximately $5-$7 billion to build. It would create approximately 5,000 construction jobs and 1,000 permanent jobs, as well as generate significant additional employment and business opportunities during construction and operation, including billions of dollars in spin-off activity and the creation of thousands of additional permanent jobs.
"Irving Oil has a reputation and a long history of being part of this community," said Kenneth Irving. "We want to make sure we involve members of our community and that we do a good job of reviewing all aspects of the project that are important to those of us who live and work here. The feedback has been encouraging, so we are moving to the next phase of the project with some optimism."
The provincial and federal governments determine the process that will guide the scientific assessment of the potential environmental impacts, mitigation measures and socio-economic impacts, and the public's formal input in the process. Environmental assessment under the New Brunswick Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation and the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act will involve a thorough review of the project that is expected to take between 12 and 24 months and will include public consultation. Kevin Scott, Director of Refining Growth for Irving Oil, said, "We remain committed to using the best available proven environmental technology in the proposed second refinery, and we will work with regulatory agencies as this project moves through what we expect will be a very rigorous environmental
approval process."
In addition to the formal public involvement, Irving Oil is committed to sharing information and consulting the community on the refinery proposal. The company will hold its first open house for members of the public in February. Members of the public seeking more information on the project are encouraged to visit Irving Oil's website at irvingoil.com or to call toll free at
1-888-525-1777. Irving Oil will also continue discussions to identify opportunities to collaborate with community organizations and governments in initiatives focused on education and training, building business capacity, and enhancing the quality of life and standard of living in the Saint John area. "We are committed to working together with others so the broader community is able to maximize the benefits from this project," said Mr. Scott. For example, Irving Oil is a partner in the development of a five-year strategic plan for post- secondary education and research, as part of a community-led initiative to determine the needs of both students and employers in the Saint John region.
"The proposed second refinery represents an incredible opportunity for Saint John and New Brunswick to grow and to give people an opportunity to stay here or return home," Mr. Scott said. Mr. Scott pointed to Irving Oil's successful track record in major energy project development and operation but cautioned that the final decision to go ahead with the proposed refinery still lies ahead. "We are pleased with our progress so far but we know that the project must receive the continued support of the community, the approval of regulators, and the final investment decision of potential investors before it would proceed."
In addition to focusing on the ongoing environmental and socio-economic studies required for the permitting process, Irving Oil will be moving to the next phase of conducting more detailed engineering studies, as well as evaluating potential partners. This step marks the second major energy project Irving Oil has submitted for registration in recent years. In 2001 the company registered the Canaport LNG project, also in Saint John. That project was the first newly proposed terminal on the East Coast of North America to receive permitting approval, and is currently under construction with partner Repsol YPF. Completion is expected by the end of 2008. In recent years, Irving Oil has been involved with encouraging several energy investments in the region.
About Irving Oil
Founded in 1924, Irving Oil is a privately owned regional refining and marketing company with a history of long-term partnerships and relationships.
Irving Oil operates Canada's largest refinery, in Saint John, N.B., which is located 65 miles north of the U.S border and has reached production rates in excess of 300,000 barrels per day. The refinery exports over 80 per cent of its production to the U.S., and accounts for 75 per cent of Canada's gasoline exports to the U.S. and 19 per cent of all US gasoline imports. In 2003, Irving Oil became the first oil company to receive a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Clean Air Excellence Award, for its clean gasoline. Approximately 7,000 people currently work with the company.
The Meaning of Eider Rock
We have chosen the name Eider Rock for the proposed second Saint John refinery project because of what the name represents for our community and for our company.
The Eider is a marine duck native to this region. Unlike most ducks, this hardy duck does not migrate each season. The Eider remains at home, near the sea, through the winter. Eider ducks watch out for each other, and huddle closely together in harsh weather to keep warm and dry. When Eiders take to the skies, they move as one.
The Eider represents the aspirations and commitment of our community to stay here and grow together. The Eider also represents our community's resilience, industriousness, and nurturing qualities. The Rock provides a safe place for the Eider to rest and grow. The Rock represents our community's strength, permanence, and a solid foundation on which to grow together. Together, Eider Rock represents our natural habitat and our quality of life.
Realizing the Benefits
Irving Oil's proposed Project Eider Rock, at an estimated cost of $5 - $7 billion, would be the largest private-sector capital investment in Atlantic Canada's history. Irving Oil is committed to working with the broader community to identify opportunities to help New Brunswickers realize the benefits of the project, through such means as local and provincial hiring, training, procurement of goods and services, and leveraging project-related investments in compatible community initiatives. Project Eider Rock would also contribute tax revenues to federal, provincial and municipal governments throughout the life of the project.
Irving Oil recognizes that a healthy, vibrant and prosperous community is important to attracting and retaining the people needed for this project. In keeping with the True Growth Initiative, Irving Oil's approach will be to work together with the enriching, economic and supportive sectors of the community to realize the possibilities and bring home the benefits of the project. The company has established three teams to work with the community to help identify possibilities in the areas of training and education (enriching), business (economic) and community (supportive) so that the benefits of Project Eider Rock can be shared over the life of the project.
BUSINESS
If it is approved, Project Eider Rock would provide tremendous momentum to the energy hub concept. It would create approximately 5,000 jobs during construction and approximately 1,000 permanent jobs. It would also generate a huge demand for supplies and services, propelling the growth of existing and new companies in the energy business and in a range of technical areas such as engineering, design and fabrication. The new refinery would be one of the cleanest in the world, using the best proven technology available and creating exportable expertise. An investment of this size would result in significant additional employment and business opportunities during construction and operation, including billions of dollars in spin-off activity and the creation of thousands of additional permanent jobs.
Both directly and indirectly, Project Eider Rock would act as a powerful magnet for people, providing promising careers for our young people, upgrading the employment prospects of New Brunswickers and attracting skilled workers back home.
TRAINING AND EDUCATION
The number of skilled workers needed for Project Eider Rock is expected to exceed the number of qualified people already in the area. In addition, there would be many opportunities for people, organizations and businesses involved in community growth. That is why Irving Oil has begun to work with schools, community colleges and universities to encourage more people to acquire the necessary skills. We would also actively look for qualified people who would like to make Saint John their home - some for the first time.
COMMUNITY
Community organizations and activities, many supported by volunteers, contribute significantly to making Saint John a better place for everyone to live, work and raise a family. Irving Oil is excited about the opportunity to work with these community-based organizations in order to leverage the positive impact they have. The understanding these organizations have of the challenges facing people in the community, their insights on where lasting solutions are to be found, and their enthusiasm and energy are invaluable in making the Saint John area the best place to call home. Project Eider Rock offers great potential to the Saint John area's business, education and community life. Irving Oil has already begun a systematic and consultative approach to working with the community to maximize that potential.
Irving Oil Environmental Performance
Irving Oil operates Canada's largest refinery in Saint John, New Brunswick. The existing refinery has reached production rates in excess of 300,000 barrels per day. On a comparative "per barrel" basis, the Irving Oil refinery is one of the cleanest in Canada.
LOCAL AIR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT
The Government of Canada, working with provincial and territorial governments, has established standards to protect the quality of the air we breathe. In fact, the Saint John area has the strictest air-quality standards in Canada for sulphur dioxide. In a study released in 2003, environmental scientist Dr. David Besner concluded that there had been a dramatic and substantial improvement in the quality of the air in Saint John. Annual average ground level concentrations of sulphur dioxide had been reduced by 43 per cent between 1992 and 2000 - the greatest decrease in Canada. Sulphur dioxide levels in Saint John were 60 per cent better than government standards and four per cent less than the Canadian average.
Dr. Besner also reported that nitrogen dioxide levels in Saint John were 51 per cent lower than the Canadian average - lower than almost every other city in Canada and 85 per cent better than government standards. Total suspended particulate matter dropped by 60 per cent from 1976 to 1998, and was 75 per cent better than government standards. Saint John has an extensive air-quality monitoring network to continuously measure the outdoor concentrations of specific substances. In place since the early 1970s, this network is operated by the provincial and federal governments in cooperation with local industry. The results of this monitoring are published annually by the New Brunswick Department of the Environment. The New Brunswick Department of the Environment regulates the operation of the existing Saint John Refinery through Approvals to Operate issued under the Air Quality Regulation - Clean Air Act and the Water Quality Regulation - Clean Environment Act. These approvals establish emission limits, testing and reporting requirements and air- quality objectives for several substances to ensure that the refinery's operations do not adversely affect the environment
or the health of people in Saint John. The refinery reports emissions to the Department of the Environment on a monthly basis and reports emissions annually to Environment Canada.
INVESTING IN ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE
Over the last decade, Irving Oil has invested well over $2 billion in the refinery, a large portion of which has related to environmental performance. The most extensive of these investments was the Refinery Upgrade Project in 2000. As a result of the company's emission-reduction strategies, between 2000 and 2005, the annual emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have decreased by 12 per cent, particulate matter by 16 per cent, and sulphur dioxide (SO2) by 24 per cent. Irving Oil will continue to make investments to improve the operating and environmental performance of the existing refinery. For example, the construction of a new sulphur recovery unit this spring will further reduce SO2 emissions by 26 per cent.
NEIGHBOUR RELATIONS
Some of the substances produced at the Saint John Refinery have a distinct odour. Although odour itself is not considered to be a health or safety concern, Irving Oil is currently working with its neighbours to identify and confirm the source of odours and to implement measures to reduce them. For example, Irving has replaced seals on the storage tanks closest to neighbours.
Based on weather conditions, the refinery has altered schedules of on-site activities that may result in odours, and the company is currently undertaking an odour study to quantify odour sources. Irving Oil believes that community input and consultation are important. The Saint John Refinery routinely communicates with its neighbours to keep them updated about refinery activities. Area residents can also call the refinery at any time of the day or night and staff will respond to their inquiries in a timely manner.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Irving Oil uses heat and electricity to produce clean gasoline, diesel and other fuels for the North American market. In the process of refining crude oil, carbon dioxide is also produced. Although carbon dioxide in concentrations found outdoors has no direct adverse effect on human health, there is a growing recognition that on a global level, the accumulation of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are contributing to climate change. Irving Oil produces low-sulphur clean fuels. This benefits people in New Brunswick directly from local use, and indirectly by reducing trans-boundary pollution from the northeastern United States, especially in summer. Using energy efficiently reduces operating costs and greenhouse gas emissions. Unlike some refineries, Irving Oil generates more than 90 per cent of the energy required within the refinery. In 2004, Irving Oil partnered with TransCanada Energy to develop a cogeneration power plant at the Saint John Refinery. This energy-efficient plant uses one form of energy, natural gas, to produce steam and electricity, which are both used as sources of energy in the refinery process. Just like many other Canadians, Irving Oil continues to actively look for new opportunities to improve energy efficiency. Over the last four years, Irving Oil has reduced the amount of energy consumed per barrel of crude oil processed by 15 per cent.
THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT
Saint John has one of the most accessible, ice-free, deep-water ports on the Atlantic east coast. These natural attributes contribute to a safe and efficient operation. In addition, the modern vessels used to transport crude oil and refined products to and from the Saint John Refinery are equipped with a number of safety features, including double-hulls, to reduce the possibility of any adverse environmental impacts in the event of an accident.
Precautionary measures are also in place to monitor and avoid impacts to marine life. In partnership with the Canadian government, scientists and environmental groups, Irving Oil helped reduce the probability of ship and whale collisions in the Bay of Fundy by 95 per cent for the world's most endangered whale - the North Atlantic Right Whale. And through a partnership with the New England Aquarium, the company continues to support the protection
of the Right Whale through research and conservation programs.
ACHIEVEMENTS
Irving Oil was the first Canadian refiner to make high-octane gasoline without the use of lead additives, the first to market low-sulphur gasoline, and the first oil company ever to receive the United States Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Air Excellence Award. The company has also received:
seriously exploring the opportunity to build a second refinery in Saint John, Irving Oil is starting the environmental permitting process by submitting for registration a Project Description of its proposed new refinery with the provincial and federal regulatory authorities. This filing is intended to initiate the provincial and federal environmental impact assessment processes that are expected to be required for the project. The proposed new refinery, with a capacity of up to 300,000 barrels per day, would be located near the existing Irving Canaport deepwater crude receiving terminal in the Red Head area of Saint John, N.B.
The new facility is intended to respond to the need for additional refining capacity in the Northeast, contribute to Canada's development as an "energy superpower" and New Brunswick's goal of economic self-sufficiency, and support Saint John's True Growth strategy. It would add to the competitive position of the New Brunswick energy hub by complementing existing energy infrastructure and create more opportunities for new projects and companies to invest in the region. Together with the existing Saint John Refinery, this new investment would create a combined total of up to 600,000 barrels per day of refining production capacity.
A new refinery would cost approximately $5-$7 billion to build. It would create approximately 5,000 construction jobs and 1,000 permanent jobs, as well as generate significant additional employment and business opportunities during construction and operation, including billions of dollars in spin-off activity and the creation of thousands of additional permanent jobs.
"Irving Oil has a reputation and a long history of being part of this community," said Kenneth Irving. "We want to make sure we involve members of our community and that we do a good job of reviewing all aspects of the project that are important to those of us who live and work here. The feedback has been encouraging, so we are moving to the next phase of the project with some optimism."
The provincial and federal governments determine the process that will guide the scientific assessment of the potential environmental impacts, mitigation measures and socio-economic impacts, and the public's formal input in the process. Environmental assessment under the New Brunswick Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation and the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act will involve a thorough review of the project that is expected to take between 12 and 24 months and will include public consultation. Kevin Scott, Director of Refining Growth for Irving Oil, said, "We remain committed to using the best available proven environmental technology in the proposed second refinery, and we will work with regulatory agencies as this project moves through what we expect will be a very rigorous environmental
approval process."
In addition to the formal public involvement, Irving Oil is committed to sharing information and consulting the community on the refinery proposal. The company will hold its first open house for members of the public in February. Members of the public seeking more information on the project are encouraged to visit Irving Oil's website at irvingoil.com or to call toll free at
1-888-525-1777. Irving Oil will also continue discussions to identify opportunities to collaborate with community organizations and governments in initiatives focused on education and training, building business capacity, and enhancing the quality of life and standard of living in the Saint John area. "We are committed to working together with others so the broader community is able to maximize the benefits from this project," said Mr. Scott. For example, Irving Oil is a partner in the development of a five-year strategic plan for post- secondary education and research, as part of a community-led initiative to determine the needs of both students and employers in the Saint John region.
"The proposed second refinery represents an incredible opportunity for Saint John and New Brunswick to grow and to give people an opportunity to stay here or return home," Mr. Scott said. Mr. Scott pointed to Irving Oil's successful track record in major energy project development and operation but cautioned that the final decision to go ahead with the proposed refinery still lies ahead. "We are pleased with our progress so far but we know that the project must receive the continued support of the community, the approval of regulators, and the final investment decision of potential investors before it would proceed."
In addition to focusing on the ongoing environmental and socio-economic studies required for the permitting process, Irving Oil will be moving to the next phase of conducting more detailed engineering studies, as well as evaluating potential partners. This step marks the second major energy project Irving Oil has submitted for registration in recent years. In 2001 the company registered the Canaport LNG project, also in Saint John. That project was the first newly proposed terminal on the East Coast of North America to receive permitting approval, and is currently under construction with partner Repsol YPF. Completion is expected by the end of 2008. In recent years, Irving Oil has been involved with encouraging several energy investments in the region.
About Irving Oil
Founded in 1924, Irving Oil is a privately owned regional refining and marketing company with a history of long-term partnerships and relationships.
Irving Oil operates Canada's largest refinery, in Saint John, N.B., which is located 65 miles north of the U.S border and has reached production rates in excess of 300,000 barrels per day. The refinery exports over 80 per cent of its production to the U.S., and accounts for 75 per cent of Canada's gasoline exports to the U.S. and 19 per cent of all US gasoline imports. In 2003, Irving Oil became the first oil company to receive a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Clean Air Excellence Award, for its clean gasoline. Approximately 7,000 people currently work with the company.
The Meaning of Eider Rock
We have chosen the name Eider Rock for the proposed second Saint John refinery project because of what the name represents for our community and for our company.
The Eider is a marine duck native to this region. Unlike most ducks, this hardy duck does not migrate each season. The Eider remains at home, near the sea, through the winter. Eider ducks watch out for each other, and huddle closely together in harsh weather to keep warm and dry. When Eiders take to the skies, they move as one.
The Eider represents the aspirations and commitment of our community to stay here and grow together. The Eider also represents our community's resilience, industriousness, and nurturing qualities. The Rock provides a safe place for the Eider to rest and grow. The Rock represents our community's strength, permanence, and a solid foundation on which to grow together. Together, Eider Rock represents our natural habitat and our quality of life.
Realizing the Benefits
Irving Oil's proposed Project Eider Rock, at an estimated cost of $5 - $7 billion, would be the largest private-sector capital investment in Atlantic Canada's history. Irving Oil is committed to working with the broader community to identify opportunities to help New Brunswickers realize the benefits of the project, through such means as local and provincial hiring, training, procurement of goods and services, and leveraging project-related investments in compatible community initiatives. Project Eider Rock would also contribute tax revenues to federal, provincial and municipal governments throughout the life of the project.
Irving Oil recognizes that a healthy, vibrant and prosperous community is important to attracting and retaining the people needed for this project. In keeping with the True Growth Initiative, Irving Oil's approach will be to work together with the enriching, economic and supportive sectors of the community to realize the possibilities and bring home the benefits of the project. The company has established three teams to work with the community to help identify possibilities in the areas of training and education (enriching), business (economic) and community (supportive) so that the benefits of Project Eider Rock can be shared over the life of the project.
BUSINESS
If it is approved, Project Eider Rock would provide tremendous momentum to the energy hub concept. It would create approximately 5,000 jobs during construction and approximately 1,000 permanent jobs. It would also generate a huge demand for supplies and services, propelling the growth of existing and new companies in the energy business and in a range of technical areas such as engineering, design and fabrication. The new refinery would be one of the cleanest in the world, using the best proven technology available and creating exportable expertise. An investment of this size would result in significant additional employment and business opportunities during construction and operation, including billions of dollars in spin-off activity and the creation of thousands of additional permanent jobs.
Both directly and indirectly, Project Eider Rock would act as a powerful magnet for people, providing promising careers for our young people, upgrading the employment prospects of New Brunswickers and attracting skilled workers back home.
TRAINING AND EDUCATION
The number of skilled workers needed for Project Eider Rock is expected to exceed the number of qualified people already in the area. In addition, there would be many opportunities for people, organizations and businesses involved in community growth. That is why Irving Oil has begun to work with schools, community colleges and universities to encourage more people to acquire the necessary skills. We would also actively look for qualified people who would like to make Saint John their home - some for the first time.
COMMUNITY
Community organizations and activities, many supported by volunteers, contribute significantly to making Saint John a better place for everyone to live, work and raise a family. Irving Oil is excited about the opportunity to work with these community-based organizations in order to leverage the positive impact they have. The understanding these organizations have of the challenges facing people in the community, their insights on where lasting solutions are to be found, and their enthusiasm and energy are invaluable in making the Saint John area the best place to call home. Project Eider Rock offers great potential to the Saint John area's business, education and community life. Irving Oil has already begun a systematic and consultative approach to working with the community to maximize that potential.
Irving Oil Environmental Performance
Irving Oil operates Canada's largest refinery in Saint John, New Brunswick. The existing refinery has reached production rates in excess of 300,000 barrels per day. On a comparative "per barrel" basis, the Irving Oil refinery is one of the cleanest in Canada.
LOCAL AIR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT
The Government of Canada, working with provincial and territorial governments, has established standards to protect the quality of the air we breathe. In fact, the Saint John area has the strictest air-quality standards in Canada for sulphur dioxide. In a study released in 2003, environmental scientist Dr. David Besner concluded that there had been a dramatic and substantial improvement in the quality of the air in Saint John. Annual average ground level concentrations of sulphur dioxide had been reduced by 43 per cent between 1992 and 2000 - the greatest decrease in Canada. Sulphur dioxide levels in Saint John were 60 per cent better than government standards and four per cent less than the Canadian average.
Dr. Besner also reported that nitrogen dioxide levels in Saint John were 51 per cent lower than the Canadian average - lower than almost every other city in Canada and 85 per cent better than government standards. Total suspended particulate matter dropped by 60 per cent from 1976 to 1998, and was 75 per cent better than government standards. Saint John has an extensive air-quality monitoring network to continuously measure the outdoor concentrations of specific substances. In place since the early 1970s, this network is operated by the provincial and federal governments in cooperation with local industry. The results of this monitoring are published annually by the New Brunswick Department of the Environment. The New Brunswick Department of the Environment regulates the operation of the existing Saint John Refinery through Approvals to Operate issued under the Air Quality Regulation - Clean Air Act and the Water Quality Regulation - Clean Environment Act. These approvals establish emission limits, testing and reporting requirements and air- quality objectives for several substances to ensure that the refinery's operations do not adversely affect the environment
or the health of people in Saint John. The refinery reports emissions to the Department of the Environment on a monthly basis and reports emissions annually to Environment Canada.
INVESTING IN ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE
Over the last decade, Irving Oil has invested well over $2 billion in the refinery, a large portion of which has related to environmental performance. The most extensive of these investments was the Refinery Upgrade Project in 2000. As a result of the company's emission-reduction strategies, between 2000 and 2005, the annual emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have decreased by 12 per cent, particulate matter by 16 per cent, and sulphur dioxide (SO2) by 24 per cent. Irving Oil will continue to make investments to improve the operating and environmental performance of the existing refinery. For example, the construction of a new sulphur recovery unit this spring will further reduce SO2 emissions by 26 per cent.
NEIGHBOUR RELATIONS
Some of the substances produced at the Saint John Refinery have a distinct odour. Although odour itself is not considered to be a health or safety concern, Irving Oil is currently working with its neighbours to identify and confirm the source of odours and to implement measures to reduce them. For example, Irving has replaced seals on the storage tanks closest to neighbours.
Based on weather conditions, the refinery has altered schedules of on-site activities that may result in odours, and the company is currently undertaking an odour study to quantify odour sources. Irving Oil believes that community input and consultation are important. The Saint John Refinery routinely communicates with its neighbours to keep them updated about refinery activities. Area residents can also call the refinery at any time of the day or night and staff will respond to their inquiries in a timely manner.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Irving Oil uses heat and electricity to produce clean gasoline, diesel and other fuels for the North American market. In the process of refining crude oil, carbon dioxide is also produced. Although carbon dioxide in concentrations found outdoors has no direct adverse effect on human health, there is a growing recognition that on a global level, the accumulation of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are contributing to climate change. Irving Oil produces low-sulphur clean fuels. This benefits people in New Brunswick directly from local use, and indirectly by reducing trans-boundary pollution from the northeastern United States, especially in summer. Using energy efficiently reduces operating costs and greenhouse gas emissions. Unlike some refineries, Irving Oil generates more than 90 per cent of the energy required within the refinery. In 2004, Irving Oil partnered with TransCanada Energy to develop a cogeneration power plant at the Saint John Refinery. This energy-efficient plant uses one form of energy, natural gas, to produce steam and electricity, which are both used as sources of energy in the refinery process. Just like many other Canadians, Irving Oil continues to actively look for new opportunities to improve energy efficiency. Over the last four years, Irving Oil has reduced the amount of energy consumed per barrel of crude oil processed by 15 per cent.
THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT
Saint John has one of the most accessible, ice-free, deep-water ports on the Atlantic east coast. These natural attributes contribute to a safe and efficient operation. In addition, the modern vessels used to transport crude oil and refined products to and from the Saint John Refinery are equipped with a number of safety features, including double-hulls, to reduce the possibility of any adverse environmental impacts in the event of an accident.
Precautionary measures are also in place to monitor and avoid impacts to marine life. In partnership with the Canadian government, scientists and environmental groups, Irving Oil helped reduce the probability of ship and whale collisions in the Bay of Fundy by 95 per cent for the world's most endangered whale - the North Atlantic Right Whale. And through a partnership with the New England Aquarium, the company continues to support the protection
of the Right Whale through research and conservation programs.
ACHIEVEMENTS
Irving Oil was the first Canadian refiner to make high-octane gasoline without the use of lead additives, the first to market low-sulphur gasoline, and the first oil company ever to receive the United States Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Air Excellence Award. The company has also received:
- North American Refiner of the Year by World Fuels
- The Maine Coalition for Sustainable Development Clean Energy Award
- The Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment Innovations Award
- A Gold Status Leadership Award by Canada's Climate Change Voluntary
- Challenge and Registry
About Irving Oil
THE COMPANY
- Founded in 1924, Irving Oil is a privately held regional refining and marketing company serving customers in Eastern Canada and the northeastern United States. There are approximately 7,000 people working with Irving Oil.
- Irving Oil is an important economic engine in the province of New Brunswick. In addition to its ongoing refining and marketing operations, the company has completed a number of major projects over the past 10 years, including the production of low-sulphur gasoline, ultra-low-sulphur gasoline and ultra-low-sulphur diesel.
- Irving Oil has a history of long-standing relationships with major companies throughout the world, including crude oil suppliers, engineering and construction firms, and refined product wholesale customers.
OPERATIONS
- Irving Oil operates Canada's largest refinery in Saint John, New Brunswick. It is also the single largest refinery on the Eastern Seaboard, and has reached production rates in excess of 300,000 barrels per day.
- Over the last decade, Irving Oil has invested well over $2 billion in
the Saint John Refinery.
- A long-term and reliable supplier of refined product to the northeastern U.S., Irving Oil has adopted the most demanding environmental performance specifications for its products in both Canada and the U.S.
- Irving Oil's exports from the Saint John Refinery account for three- quarters of Canada's gasoline exports to the U.S. and 64 per cent of Canada's total refined petroleum product exports. This represents 19 per cent of all U.S. gasoline imports and 45 per cent of the refined
petroleum product supply in the northeastern U.S., north of New York City.
- Six out of 10 vehicles in Boston are running on gasoline produced at the Saint John Refinery.
- Saint John's year-round, ice-free deepwater port is the closest to the U.S. Northeast.
- Saint John is closer by ship to the North Sea and Arabian Gulf than Houston, Texas. The Saint John Refinery is the closest existing refined product supplier to the northeastern U.S.
- In partnership with Repsol YPF, Irving is building the Canaport liquefied natural gas (LNG) receiving terminal at Irving Canaport in Saint John, N.B.
- The Canaport LNG terminal is currently under construction, and was the first new facility on the east coast of North America to receive permitting approval, in August 2004.
- The terminal will have an initial send-out capacity of 1 billion cubic feet per day (1BCF/d) and is expected to be operational by the end of 2008.
- With its partners, Irving has recently developed 350 megawatts of new natural-gas-fired power.
- Irving Oil has 800 retail sites in Eastern Canada and the northeastern U.S. Irving Oil accounted for 55 per cent of New Brunswick's exports in 2005.
INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP
- Irving Oil was the first Canadian refiner to market low-sulphur gasoline, three years before government regulations took effect.
- Irving Oil was named 2004 North American Refiner of the Year by World Fuels, a leading industry publication.
- Irving Oil was the first oil company to receive the U.S. EPA Clean Air Excellence Award, for its clean gasoline.
- Irving Oil was the three-time recipient of Canada's Climate Change Voluntary Challenge and Registry (VCR) Gold Status Leadership Award (1999, 2000, 2002).
- Irving Oil received the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment Innovation Award in 2001.
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