MACTAQUAC

• CAMTQ
• Latitude: 45.9753
• Longitude: -66.8897
• East Coast Canada
• Marina in Canada

Location: Canada

Mactaquac is not a marine port but a well-known hydroelectric dam and generating station located on the Saint John River in New Brunswick, Canada. Here are some details and specifications about the Mactaquac Dam:

Mactaquac Dam

Location:

• Situated on the Saint John River approximately 19 kilometers upstream from Fredericton, the capital city of New Brunswick.

Purpose:

• The primary purposes of the Mactaquac Dam are hydroelectric power generation, water management, and recreation.

Key Specifications

Type:

• The Mactaquac Dam is an embankment dam.

Dimensions:

• Height: Approximately 55 meters (180 feet).
• Length: Approximately 518 meters (1,700 feet).

Reservoir:

• Name: Mactaquac Headpond.
• Surface Area: The reservoir covers approximately 87 square kilometers (33.5 square miles).

Capacity:

• The generating station has a total installed capacity of 672 megawatts (MW).

Turbines:

• The powerhouse is equipped with six turbine-generator units.

Construction and Operation:

• Initial Construction: Construction of the dam began in 1965.
• Commissioning Date: The dam became operational in 1968.

Owner/Operator:

• NB Power, a provincial Crown corporation.

Additional Features

Recreation:

• The area around the dam is a popular site for various recreational activities, including boating, fishing, and camping. There are several parks, such as Mactaquac Provincial Park, in the vicinity.

Upgrades and Future Plans:

• The Mactaquac Generating Station is undergoing assessments and potential refurbishments to extend its operational life. There have been discussions about re-investing in the facility to ensure it continues to meet modern standards and reliability requirements.

Environmental and Community Impact

Environmental Considerations:

• The construction of the dam created the Mactaquac Headpond, significantly altering the local ecosystem. Efforts have been made to manage and mitigate environmental impacts, including fish passage facilities to help fish navigate the dam.

Community Impact:

• The dam and its associated generating station play a crucial role in the local economy by providing jobs and supporting community development through recreation and tourism related to the headpond and surrounding areas.

Conclusion

Though Mactaquac is not a marine port, it is a critical infrastructure for hydroelectric power in New Brunswick, Canada. It serves a range of functions from power generation to recreational facilities, impacting both the environment and local communities significantly.