Vancouver's Harbours. Source; Glacier Air.
TRANS MOUNTAIN PIPELINE EXPANSION ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT CERTIFICATE IS INADEQUATE
Mike Priaro, P.Eng.
December 17, 2017
On January 10, 2017 the British Columbia Environmental Assessment Office (BC EAO) issued an environmental assessment certificate for the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion.
The certificate is subject to 37 conditions in areas of provincial jurisdiction. This certificate is in addition to, and designed to supplement, the federal NEB’s 157 conditions. The 37 conditions respond to concerns raised by communities and Aboriginal groups during consultation and to key areas of provincial interest and jurisdiction.
On May 27, 2017 a new B.C. government was elected. It has a responsibility to the citizens who elected it and to all the citizens of British Columbia to:
1. Review the background and qualifications of the B.C. Environmental Assessment Office to determine if there was potential bias and to make new appointments and changes as necessary in order to conduct an objective Environmental Assessment in the best interests of the residents, the environment, the ecology, and the economy of the Lower Mainland and Islands.
2. Review whether existing conditions accepting submission of certain reports after construction starts makes sense, or if those reports must be submitted before construction starts.
3. Conduct a full maritime assessment that includes: a), a proper risk analysis of tanker collisions with bridges and other harbour and coastal infrastructure; b), a proper risk analysis of ship-to-ship collisions; c), a proper analysis of the risks and damages of an oil spill; d) analysis of operational capability in response to an oil spill; e), the environmental, ecological, economic, social, and operational clean-up costs of an oil spill; f), the adequacy of international, domestic, and private insurance funds to cover the potential clean-up costs and all damages from any oil spill including damages on U.S. territory.
4. Evaluate whether there is a significantly better alternative (there is) for oil pipeline access to west coast tide-water.
No construction should be permitted to commence or to continue on the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion until all of the above responsibilities are discharged to the satisfaction of the people and the government of B.C.
Mike Priaro, P.Eng.
Calgary
403-81-2156
