Same old Enbridge!

Here we go again—I, along with others no doubt, have been looking for that new Enbridge culture –I suggested an Enbridge Board of Directors ‘Operations Safety EPIPHANY’;ha ha my friends said;they were right!——Enbridge are big and have an huge opportunity to capitalize on North America’s booming, huge ,new oil production opportunities;Bakken,tight oil and of course bitumen—all the pipeline gang ,including Trans Canada and Kinder Morgan are planning to build pipe lines—TO EVERY WHERE! The annoying folks in BC aren’t likely to cause Enbridge to change their ways--much. I’m guessing that Enbridge could walk away from their Northern Gateway project and with only slightly ‘ripple’ on their balance sheet?

Yes all governments are desperate for revenue and our cries for safer practices are not likely to be given serious consideration —until the polls become a factor—you know that most significant item in a politicians survival handbook—‘POLLS’.Unfortunately we all love our cars,airplanes ships,etc. so the law makers (in Canada and US) have to take the lead or, in my opinion, the powerful pipe liners will just continue to bully their way, as they please!

The folks in Michigan are facing the same old Enbridge it seems—with their Enbridge expansion project –not far from the 2010 Kalamazoo river fiasco. We can only watch and wonder how the Michigan situation will evolve.

Our BC Enbridge situation is creating a significant public and native outcry—we have to wait and see—we know most pipelines eventually are built –and millions of miles more will be built—and for that reason and the fact that existing pipe lines don’t improve with age—we need to press our law makers to make the pipe liner more accountable—starting with the Boards of Directors.

Little Oversight for Enbridge Pipeline Route that Skirts Lake Michigan

----see this link for full story---Dec 27,2012

http://insideclimatenews.org/news/20121227/indiana-enbridge-pipeline-6B-lake-michigan-rivers-dilbit-oil-spill-wetlands?page=4

Excerpts follow;

In the northwestern corner of Indiana a major pipeline project is planned that will carry vast quantities of heavy Canadian crude oil across four rivers that flow into Lake Michigan, where 10 million people get their drinking water. The pipeline will cross one river just 11 miles from the lake. It crosses the other three rivers less than 20 miles from the lake.

Because the pipeline runs so close to Lake Michigan—and because it is being built by a company with a history of pipeline spills in the region—a growing coalition of environmental groups is demanding that it be given extraordinary oversight and protection. But getting those protections will be almost impossible

A major spill into one of the Indiana rivers would be even more disastrous than the Michigan (Kalamazoo) spill, the environmental groups say, because the pipeline's crossing points are so much closer to Lake Michigan.

Since its 2010 Kalamazoo pipeline spill, Enbridge has taken steps to make its pipelines safer, most of them in response to a Corrective Action Order issued by PHMSA. The company has developed better tools and technology for worst case waterborne spills, increased spending on pipeline integrity management, added new emergency training programs for employees and will spend $50 million between 2012 and 2013 to improve "equipment, training and overall response capabilities," Springer said.

Elephant in the room!

Subject: the elephant in the room

Attention:Enbridge Northern Gateway and Kinder Morgan pipe liners

This ELEPHANT REMAINS IN THE ROOM---who pays when that ‘incident’ happens--not IF, but WHEN! Some talk of BILLIONS of dollars per incident---when asked ‘who pays?’ usually deafening SILENCE ensues.

As a citizen (tax payer) I do not want to pay the cost of the clean up for the inevitable screw ups—and endless lawsuits which are bound to follow...??

Good design and construction is anticipated for the pipeline and shipping;ok. But who’s designing and constructing the DISASTER INSURANCE PLAN to cover cost of THAT INCIDENT?

The beneficiaries; there are several—the Federal and Provincial Governments ; and Local Constituencies are desperate for the revenue--the oil producer, the pipeline operator and the shippers too will benefit handsomely I’d guess---and all these ‘revenuers’ and ‘profiteers’ could buy MUCH NEEDED PUBLIC SUPPORT if we could see a business plan that would show how they, together, will create a DISASTER FUND to cover any and all costs for minor or major incidents and law suits.

And yes, the governments too would need to contribute part of their ‘take’ to this professional,commercially developed Disaster Cost recovery plan. Call the big underwriters—I bet they would be happy to counsel in development of such a disaster plan...

I would hope that such a commercially developed scheme would include some form of ‘built in’, on-going checks and balances (due diligence) by the insurer to ensure that each payer is maintaining certain standards of practice that would minimize the occurrence of incidents???Rates to vary in accordance with the deductible and the insured’s ‘safe practice’ records!! A scary thought possibly for Enbridge and KM—and the rest of the project participants—but I need the comfort in knowing that those benefitting will not be burdening ME with the cost of that eventual ‘incident’!

OK?

 

stop crazy KINDER MORGAN scheme,before it's too late

I sent this around to local and major press--let's see if anyone cares?

Obama: ‘Where I was wrong is in my belief that the oil companies had their act together when it came to worst case scenarios.’— May 2010 , press conference.

President Obama sums up the the common ‘message’ that major corporations such as BP,and Exxon would have us believe; likewise for pipe liner Enbridge in Kalamazoo,Michigan .and Kitimat.

Now closer to home and Kinder Morgan...

An Experts Panel presentation about ‘CRUDE OIL EXPORTS THROUGH SECOND NARROWS’ –was given to the Vancouver City Council,July 5 ,2010))---see link http://www.georgiastrait.org/files/share/kerSafetyExpertPanel-PB-0v1-61-5July2010-rdx.pdf

Flip through this report and then decide what you can do to stop this crazy scheme to expand oil tanker traffic in our busy Burrard Inlet.

Also,think about the potential for an oil tanker ‘hit’ on the CNR Second Narrows Rail bridge and the economic impact of a damaged rail bridge....read about the work done by Tony Au (rail lift bridge operator;now retired,I believe)—here’s the link

http://www.cn.ca/documents/Corporate_Citizenship_People/Summer2008-TonyAu-en.pdf

and here’s an excerpt from this report...

“Tony’s ability to juggle the incoming rail and

marine traffic .....that kind of precise coordination

actually requires meticulous attention,

points out Plant Maintenance supervisor,

Don Brears.......

POINT: Incidents do happen—what we must do, is minimize the probability and the resultant consequences of that incident--

What to do?

1. Ensure that all operating staff are competent and trained—make training a priority for Board of Directors attention—

2. As for the Burrard Inlet---remove all Kinder Morgan facilities and oil tanker traffic to Roberts Bank—where they BELONG!

Shipping , pipelines and rail are vital services---we need to make maximum effort to do the sensible thing.

If you agree make your views known—contact your MP,MLA, Media favorite ;everyone you know before it’s too late to make common sense changes...

ENBRIDGE & KINDER MORGAN; DO IT RIGHT--or

Subject: Enbridge and Kinder Morgan,do it RIGHT or GO HOME

 

Enbridge have done a pitifully poor job of rebuilding public confidence after the Kalamazoo fiasco—what I want to see is a Board od Directors that gives a damn—instead we see a lot of pretty pictures from Janet Holder(sometimes misleading stuff )—we peasants can see thru this stuff and will see to it that our politicians will pay at the polls if they don’t bring the Enbridge Board od directors out of hiding—and stand before us and tell us how they’ve changed their culture—yes repent—‘have an operations safety EPIPHANY’..Enbridge no doubt have very competent operating and technical staff—put them on the road ,at moderated public events –their knowledgeable staff could make a powerful ,positive impression on the public—Obama and Harper,etc. stand in front of National audiences and in a moderated setting are put to the test---that’s where the public can and need to be convinced –Janet’s pretty ads are not doing the job..the NEB stuff is not seen or understood by the public—Enbridge need public acceptance and the the politicians are starting to ‘run scared’-

That’s my suggestion for Enbridge to dig themselves and their ‘supporting governments’ out of this deep hole—there are obvious benefits from pipe lines that we need and want—but trying to bully their way through does not appear to be working??

Also here’s an earlier attempt at ‘letter’--

We pay dearly for the politicians --and also for our major media--but all have gone into hiding it seems. I can't get any response from anyone--neither Enbridge,Kinder Morgan,major newspapers--or the community papers(although for a while these community papers and a few politicians did respond). Is Enbridge really controlling ALL MEDIA now with their huge,annoying,very profit making ads about the Northern Gateway pipeline project? Seems to be working.I suppose it's time for me to stop my subscription to the Sun--and turn off the obedient CKNW--and stick with media that cares..

Enbridge are still bullying their way through the Hearings---Kinder Morgan are merrily planning to introduce the very large crude oil tankers into Burrard Inlet(instead of Roberts Bank;where they belong!)--and nary a peep from anyone lately..

The recent shipping incident 'near misses' in Prince Rupert and Roberts Bank make me nervous--the best 'gadgets' in the world won't stop shipping incidents so long as humans are on board those ships..all we can do is minimize the probability of mishaps by adequate employee training and holding the Boards accountable for their corporate screw ups .But 'no' the pilots and the tug boat operators seem to be left to bear the brunt of 'accusations' for faulty performance...who permitted those folks to do their jobs with inadequate training---Another significant example for instance--consider the Kalamazoo,Michigan fiasco on the 40+ year old pipeline.Who,by implication, received the bulk of the blame.The operators in the Edmonton control room--you know those 'Keystone Kops', as labelled by the US National Transportation Safety Board( NTSB) . If the folks in the Edmonton control room had been properly trained would that incident have occurred? Who allowed those in the control room staff to behave in such a disorganized fashion--those that denied the necessary training some suggest--ultimately the ENBRIDGE Board of Directors!Similarly ,who was responsible to 'allow' the Kalamazoo pipeline ,that ultimately failed,to get into such a condition which permitted it to fail under fairly normal operating conditions--it wasn't the field personnel or the technical staff--it, ultimately ,was the Board od Directors--if not the Board,then WHO?

We are still nervous about the Enbridge bunch--no apparent culture change--just lots of talk and those ubiquitous ,sometimes misleading ads .What we should see, is an Enbridge Board 'operations safety Epiphany' announcing their new culture and full Board commitment to their new mission statement .The Board hides,the major media and politicians hide or abide..we peasants are left to question but no one hears---so the bullies win,maybe.The peasants are not happy,the polls tell us--are the politicos getting nervous?Remenber 'polls' are the most valued guideline in a politicians survival manual..so maybe the pipelines,either one,aren't yet a slam dunk...

OK peasants--keep pressing your favourite MP,MLA,Media person--to keep these potentially valued projects --but insist that the proponents do ir right--OR GO HOME!

I'm guessing that we can soon draw other ,more cooperative proponents to our province --ENBRIDGE and KINDER MORGAN--it's getting late--you stil have time to convince us that we should allow you to profit BUT first the pipe liners must show us that they will listen and do what's needed to minimize the probability of an 'incident'--There have been many sensible suggestions offered but little attention has been given these suggestions--a reminder of some(for Enbridge) I've seen

1.move out of Douglas Channel

2.let the Enbridge Board show in writing us that Enbridge has a new 'culture'

3. stop the silly ads and put your best people on the road at MODERATED presentations and DEBATES and let the BC public across the province judge the quality of your team.(most people do not attend NEB Hearings --we need to see those in charge , in person--).

And for the other pipeliner--one big issue

1.move all shipping and storage OUT OF BURRARD INLET and to ROBERTS BANK IT BELONGS.

2.we would alsoike to see your Board members and senior managers at similar public presentations---our North American leaders(Harper,Obama) go to moderated debates to sell their policies and their 'persons' --you to can help the public to support your proposals --the NEB has a purpose but you also need public support these days--if your proposal is beneficial for us then you need to convince the public--the politicians watch the polls--and they are getting nervous?

Your move

We need to see a NEW ENBRIDGE.

Premier Christy Clark:

The Northern Gateway project proposal has potential benefits for BC—the problem is that Enbridge are doing a pitifully poor job of informing the BC public ,at large,about the benefits—the public see the Enbridge that allowed the Kalamzoo pipeline failure to happen—it didn’t happen by itself—it was allowed to happen by a Enbridge—and their Board of Directors..who is to blame if not the Board?Their Board is doing nothing to convince me that they have changed an iota! Janet Holder and those silly ,annoying ads are counter productive---the benefits of this project would be welcomed by all BC citizens—if we can find the right pipeline operator—Enbridge need to do some ‘down to earth communicating’ with the public –see suggestions in following note which I sent to Enbridge.Almost every move Enbridge makes seems to lack credibility—phony ads showing an island free Douglas Channel---adding half BILLION DOLLARS in the 11th hour for project SAFETY—leaving the shipping terminal at Kitimat is especially dumb—Enbridge are not showing their faces to the public of BC(yes they have gab fests in local areas)but in the final analysis Enbridge need to let the BC public ,province wide,to understand the pipeline—again some suggestions below.The public are not convinced –the politicians are nervous—there may still be time to convince the public that Enbridge wants to do the job—bullying in not supposed to be allowed in BC..Enbridge shouldn’t be allowed to bully their way ! Someone needs to tell Enbridge to get their act together and help the public to accept the NEW ENBRIDGE—the old ENBRIDGE is still suspect...maybe we need to start again and find an pipe liner that understands that we BC ‘peasants’ want someone we can trust.(public opinion can allow this project to proceed—or these same folks can look for someone else to do the job!---‘pipeline’ and ‘political’ survival are at stake here in my opinion—.

Enbridge needs to fix stuff!--or GO HOME!

Draft letter to Vancouver Observer.

THERE ARE MILLIONS OF MILES OF oil PIPE LINES..AND MORE WILL BE BUILT..So why the big fuss about this proposed Enbridge pipeline? I suppose it’s more about WHO is planning to build the line—Enbridge’ ‘record’ leaves us skeptical—the old Enbridge has earned a reputation which will be difficult to FIX ! Following are some of my suggestions—can Enbridge make these changes—or do we just look for a different organization with a record and culture of operations safety?? I suggest that Enbridge, with a major commitment , might be able to gain public acceptance??Ha Ha you say---I’ve sent the note below to Enbridge and the major media—but guess what—no response. I doubt that Enbridge will be able to change---they can likely bully their way through the hearings process and public resistance –while the politicians remain in hiding—The media ‘love’ the revenue from those,ubiquitous ,annoying Enbridge ads—public opinion may yet cause the politicians to lead ? Again, ha ha ! Without major media support ‘we peasants’ won’t be heard---hopefully the community media,such as yours, will help to bring the government out of hiding and to do their job?

My Comment email follows...

Enbridge,in my opinion, have problems,still;

1. about OPERATIONS SAFETY– lingers from the NTSB report about the Kalamazoo pipeline failure fiasco-

2. IMAGE is hurt about MISLEADING ADS such as the ad which showed a wide and clear path through Douglas channel —the ads seem counter productive and certainly they are becoming ANNOYING.

3. we see little evidence about the BENEFITS for BC public...instead we still see problems.

WHAT TO DO??

About 1.---Enbridge Board of Directors need ‘to have an OPERATIONS SAFETY EPIPHANY’—and show us in detail (new policy and organization)and explain how Enbridge will safely manage pipelines.

About 2. Move OUT OF DOUGLAS Channel to a more open port location .Put your highly skilled people ‘on the road’ to explain at MODERATED presentations and debates how Enbridge can and will do their job ....the public will then judge the quality of your team.

About 3. Let Enbridge and Governments sit down and hammer out a sensible deal .There are 4 PROFITING PARTNERS in this project—the oil producers,the pipe liner, the loading terminal and storage facilities owner and the SHIP owners ! Show us, in detail, the NET BENEFITS for B.C., ASSUMING the ‘profiting partners’ BUILD an OIL SPILL DISASTER FUND to protect BC taxpayers from the clean up cost of any minor or major shipping or pipeline spill !

The public polls show that the public are not buying your proposal, as is!

The polls are a key consideration in all politician’s survival handbook—!

So Enbridge--fix stuff (‘safety’,’image’ and ‘benefits’)now—or go home.

Simple as that!

Trust Enbridge?

Trust Enbridge?

Yes,the Enbridge Gang have an lingering image problem(a making of their own); largely due to the ‘mess’ created in the Michigan-Kalamazoo fiasco.

NEB Hearings are proceeding and will likely result in ‘technical’ approval,in Dec. 2013.—but the public and political ‘negative image problem’ remains—Enbridge still needs to CONVINCE THE PUBLIC of their NEW operations safe CULTURE—Janet’s endless pretty picture ads are not convincing—they are becoming annoying—let’s hear from the mouths of the BIG GUNS their commitment to their new culture-get on the media a talk to us—convince us ,personally---we might get to believe in you?

Al Monaco (new President and CEO)has been quoted recently discussing the ‘possibility’ of moving ship loading to Prince Rupert - tying executive bonuses to safety and security -- replacing old pipelines; a start—but just TALK so far-- ACTION is what’s required!..

Convince the willing members of the ENBRIDGE Board to ‘have an OPERATIONS SAFETY EPIPHANY’. Publicize where Enbridge’s decision makers will be appearing (at MODERATED local gatherings,major and local media,etc..)to show us that Enbridge ‘operators’ know their stuff— the public will ‘ judge’ the QUALITY of your team.

Show us your NEW ORGANIZATION– I suggest that you include CORPORATE TECHNICAL OFFICER,(CTO ) who,along with a ‘team of your best’, will be responsible to keep you and the Board continually apprised of system conditions and world wide technical issues as they develop in the pipe line universe. Show us how THE BOARD will be held ACCOUNTABLE .Let the Board show us that their systems will not be neglected and allow another Michigan-Kalamazoo like disaster. Be LEADERS. Don’t just follow good operating and technical standards—SET THE STANDARDS!

Christy Clark and Al Monaco should get their teams together and HAMMER OUT A DEAL—and SHOW US how this pipeline can be built to BENEFIT ALL parties.This shouldn’t be an ‘US AGAINST THEM’ game !

Let Enbridge convince US that they can be trusted(bullying won’t work!)—a culture ‘shift’ with written PUBLIC MANIFESTO to show us their new marching orders.

If they will not SHOW US how they are planning to change , then we should just send Enbridge HOME and maybe start again.

elephant in the room

Most folks ,when asked about our looming pipelines projects (the Kinder Morgan twinning project and Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline) are still unsure.Currently there lots of press about Northern Gateway pipeline and the many issues raised . This pipeline construction matter will be decided after this ‘rigorous due process’ . So far so good.The Kinder Morgan (KM) project is just barely underway and the their NEB hearings will commence likely in 2013.

When these projects are discussed,most folks soon express a serious concern about the oil tanker spill—anywhere along our coastline.I call it(the oil tanker issue ) the ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM!

This shipping component is passed off as ‘not a problem’ in Northern Gateway ads.—we’re told about very modern ships,good navigation systems ,double hulls,etc.

see Termpol report link

https://www.neb-one.gc.ca/ll-eng/livelink.exe/fetch/2000/90464/90552/384192/620327/624911/701712/792408/E11-3-2_-_Transport_Canada_-_TERMPOL_REVIEW_PROCESS_REPORT_ON_THE_ENBRIDGE_NORTHERN_GATEWAY_PROJECT_-_A2Q4A7.pdf?nodeid=792412&vernum=0

This report is specific to the (proponent)Northern Gateway Pipeline project and basically tells me that various ‘government’ agencies have reviewed shipping material submitted to them by the proponent—which was ‘accepted’—and that’s it---no public hearing—NO PUBLIC INPUT OR SCRUTINY--our government ‘experts’ DECIDE if the proponent info will satisfy the public interest..that’s it!

Then things get fuzzy-- the project proponent (Enbridge)THEN tells us that the shipping is not their responsibility! KM will no doubt say the same thing.

WHAT?

I did receive information from the Government Major Projects Management Office www.mpmo-bggp.gc.ca that explained the process as it exists—BUT ,again, there’s no suggestion that any serious oil tanker spill will be dealt with expeditiously by the shipper—are the BC public left to pay for any major spill cleanup? The $35.7 million over 2 years mentioned by the MPMO may cover a MINOR spill—possibly.What about the BIG ONE?

The issue is not IF an oil spill occurs—it’s WHEN an oil spill occurs! Be it Douglas Channel or Burrard Inlet,or wherever?---OK we aren’t going to stop shipping but we can insist that the proponents minimize the probability of a serious spill incident..let’s hear their solutions.

And the proponents could come up with a formula to CREATE a spill disaster fund –there are 4 major major ‘project partners’ ; oil producer,oil pipe liner, the loading terminal and storage facilities owner/operator and the shippers..who all PROFIT—

and the public who bear all the RISK!

There are also the big ‘silent partners’ ; the governments who desperately want/need the resultant revenue from these projects---and ultimately the public vote!

How to create a formula for building a disaster fund is the challenge—I’d guess that many insurance corporations could put together a scheme that could help build such a fund---and not leave the public holding the bag when this unwelcome major oil spill event occurs---However , likely there’s little incentive for the project partners to willingly enter into any such discussions—and the government’s don’t appear to be in a good bargaining position—so is it the status quo—and ultimately, the lawyers could be the only winners!

The Elephant remains in the room.

WHERE TO-the Northern Gateway Pipeline?

Where to-- the Northern Gateway Pipeline project?

There is ongoing speculation about the real potential of the Bakken and shale oil resource discoveries ,worldwide. The U.S. are fairly certain that in a few years they will be net exporters of oil and gas.See the following two references and be bewildered.How might these resources affect us—maybe the Tar Sands will eventually be challenged by this new huge production potential(some say with less expensive and more desirable product )Note; Alberta also claim huge reserves of these shale oil deposits??—Where will it ALL TAKE US--remains to be seen.Of course Enbridge and Trans Canada will be building MANY pipelines to carry these new oil and gas products—to everywhere !!

Reference 1. a world outlook http://www.worldenergyoutlook.org/

and 2. a Canadian outlook http://www.theglobeandmail.com/commentary/peak-oil-more-like-peak-canada/article5370334/

-look at these and then ask yourself “what we in BC should do about the Northern Gateway pipeline project”?—Get on with it OR let it die?

Some suggestions for Enbridge; Yes the Enbridge Gang have an image problem; largely due to the mess created in the Michigan-Kalamazoo fiasco.—Most pipelines ,eventually, will have a leak incident....and with GOOD OPERATING PRACTICES the incident will be handled with little impact.The history making Kalamazoo incident was unfortunate for all parties—and this incident is causing Enbridge much hard work to gain public confidence. Yes ,BC residents are not yet ready to have Enbridge build a pipeline through very difficult mountainous route , then to ‘handoff’ the responsibility for marine transport in very large oil tankers as they wiggle their way through a 50 kilometer inlet waterway. Enbridge have ‘stuck’ steadfastly to this ‘bad plan’. Couple this with Enbridge’s inability to create an ‘operations safety’ image and they make it very difficult for ‘peasants’ like me to accept their ‘bad plan’! Yes ,there is a strong Provincial and Federal government desire for the pipeline operations REVENUE—and couple this a bit of BULLYING by Enbridge-- we might yet see the pipeline built.

However the problems are mounting;

1. the public negative stance remains—Enbridge likely don’t care much---BUT the politicians are getting nervous and ‘nervouser’!

2.time is every ones enemy—the longer we wait—the sooner all this Bakken and shale oil bonanza factors into the outcome—how? As I see it ,after reading some of the articles referred to above---Enbridge ,though reluctantly, may say—enough already-‘we’re out of here’!---Enbridge are likely to benefit ‘hugely’ from these new oil and gas finds—they’ll be building pipelines to meet the continental demand... and the Northern Gateway loss may become but a blip on their balance sheets!

3. Is there hope?—yes—but time may be an issue—so what to do – First, Enbridge needs to get busy and earn the public trust—I see a sign of hope –Al Monaco,new President and CEO,is making some good noises—he’s been quoted recently discussing the ‘possibility’ of moving tanker ship loading out of Douglas Channel and to Prince Rupert—repeat—a ‘possibility’.

And now MORE hopeful signs for Enbridge –see http://m.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/industry-news/energy-and-resources/pq-makes-oily-mess-with-its-pipeline-rhetoric/article5398351/?service=mobile where the columnist tells us that ...”Al Monaco ,may be changing the ways of his company...tying executive bonuses to safety and security...” this is the signal that many have been waiting for—this guy has been listening and more importantly –he’s acting ! ! However the columnist also suggests that the Northern Gateway pipeline project ...looks doomed!—Many folks are saying the same thing—Yet hope remains, IF Mr. Monaco can quickly SHOW B.C. public the NEW ENBRIDGE--

4.Convince the willing members of the Board to ‘have an OPERATIONS SAFETY EPIPHANY’(what to do with the unwilling??)—First ,get rid of those fluffy full page color ads and spend the money elsewhere--get the senior technical and management (including Board members) on the road (local gatherings,major and local media,etc..)to show us that your ‘operators’ know their stuff—we, the public,will judge the QUALITY of your team—Romney and Obama went in front of a world audience to show themselves—now you SHOW US THE BEEF!!

5.show us your NEW ORGANIZATION– I suggest that you include CORPORATE TECHNICAL OFFICER,(CTO ) who will be responsible to keep you and the Board apprised of system conditions –and show how will the Board be held ACCOUNTABLE for directing and funding system needs and sound practices, in a timely manner...don’t just follow operating and technical standards—SET THE STANDARDS!

6. In spite of all the naysayers—there are millions of miles of pipelines and millions more will be built—let BC enjoy the benefits(yes there are risks)—let Enbridge show us how they intend to MINIMIZE the risks!—Let’s get on with the project ‘SMARTLY’--and together,eventually, we should enjoy the benefits of this controversial project..

Simple as that

Listen and Learn

Enbridge has not done a great job of ‘selling’ the Northern Gateway project——

For many of us the the mood is , A-B-E—Anybody But Enbridge!

What’s Enbridge to do?

Listen!

How many senior managers actually LISTEN to their own people??’Listen’ and they will tell you where to find the ‘areas of concern’ and then DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! Think of these incidents; Enbridge Kalamazoo,Michigan oil spill fiasco, Ocean Ranger oil platform loss,Space ship Challenger disaster,the sad Walkerton E-Coli event,Ford Pinto bean counting exercise,etc.,etc.,

Would those ‘incidents’, mentioned above, have been avoided if senior management had LISTENED?

Consider this quote from James Oberg,NBC News Space Analyst “The disaster (space ship Challenger loss) need never have happened if managers and workers had clung to known principles of safely operating on the edge of extreme hazards — nothing was learned by the disaster that , HADN”T ALREADY BEEN LEARNED , and then FORGOTTEN.”

Enbridge need to admit,openly, that they screwed up in the past and “we have learned from our mistakes”--I’m hoping to see an ‘Operations Safety” epiphany by the Enbridge Board of Directors.

I suggest that such an EPIPHANY would be welcomed by the decision makers(NEB and Politicians) and the public!—even at this late date.

Yes..’Fess up’ Enbridge—there’s great POSITIVE power in admitting ones mistakes—

Important to show us SPECIFICALLY what will change—in our organization,procedures and culture!!

Does Enbridge have the GRIT to do this??We’ll see.

Simple as that!

Victoria Pipeline Demonsration

As for the Victoria Demonstration--it was a start...

There are millions of miles of pipe lines and more millions will be built—transporting all types of commodities—Yes, diluted bitumen(Dilbit)can be nasty—ala the Kalamazoo fiasco—no we don’t want that stuff on our coast,whether by a Kinder Morgan shipping incident in Burrard Inlet—or a severely damaged oil tanker in Douglas Channel—will our concerns be reduced if the pipeline terminates in an open harbour location near Prince Rupert (not Kitimat)—

Or,could we be appeased if we see Enbridge making a quick ‘owning up’ and including a specific,believable ,published commitment to “DO IT Right”

It’s little to ask—Enbridge wants to operate and PROFIT in B.C.—so,please listen !

What then is this demonstration ‘all about’? Probably it’s as much a concern about who’s building the line and who will operate it?—

The inability of the Enbridge to change such an obvious ‘mistake’ as locating the shipping terminal in Kitimat and then fudging their online graphic which showed a Douglas Channel with ,surprise,NO ISLANDS(that’s NOT OUR Douglas Channel!)—

Trying to bribe us, in the 11th hour, with sudden $500,000,000.00 safety ‘top up’ after the NTSB Kalamazoo report fallout—

 Enbridge’s apparent inability to show any obvious attempt at changing their culture is disappointing..

Not much room to maneuver or time left—I’d guess the loyal Enbridge political friends are getting nervous—the citizens are suspicious –let’s see their PLAN .

Enbridge,convince us,please.

Kinder Morgan very scary plan

 

The Kinder Morgan Very Scary Plan

We hear lots of debate about the Enbridge pipeline and the loading terminal in Kitimat—also great concern expressed about mega oil tankers wiggling their way through the narrow channels between the many small islands in Douglas Channel---

BUT we hear little from the local media and governments(local and provincial) expressing concern about huge bitumen laden tankers ‘sailing through Burrard Inlet’ past cruise ships,ferries,cargo ships,pleasure craft,etc.—This is just not a problem it seems---!

What am I missing?

I would think that the entire Kinder Morgan facilities and the Chevron refinery should be relocated to more sensible site and build the crude tanker loading terminal at Roberts Bank(WHERE IT BELONGS).

Recall that Bill Vander Zalm in his heyday wanted to locate the, then, 4 refineries to one combined/larger facility in the Fraser valley?—still makes sense.

Or we can do nothing—just let KM do their thing,unchallenged –we must collectively start screaming NOW or suffer the consequences.

Then we could look forward to black GOOEY BEACHES at places such as Jericho, Spanish Bank, Kitsilano, Ambleside, Wreck, Second and Third, and Centennial and elsewhere. You fortunate water front property owners in West Vancouver,Pont Grey,etc. should excited about such an EVENT! Maybe KM’ super tanker carrier owners could enlighten us about clean up procedures—the folks in Alaska could assist you in estimating how many decades the GOO would prevail.

Just thought I’d be helpful.

Wake up BICers

See this news item from the Vancouver Sun

http://www.vancouversun.com/news/metro/history+September+1973/7294276/story.html

and then try to tell me this won’t happen –again! That mess in 1973 resulted from a relative ‘thimble full’ of fuel oil---imagine a hundred thousand barrels of bitumen !

The KINDER MORGAN(KM) pipe line damage in Burnaby a few years back makes one wonder how much the shippers and pipe liners have learned?

True,there were several parties involved in that Burnaby incident--- The Canadian Transportation Safety Board (TSB) report http://www.tsb.gc.ca/eng/rapports-reports/pipeline/2007/p07h0040/p07h0040.asp suggests that none of the parties were blameless. Point: things happen! ‘The best laid plans oft’ go awry’. What to do then?

Decrease—don’t INCREASE, the potential for more incidents in Burrard Inlet!

1.Move all Kinder Morgan shipping and storage facilities out of Burrard Inlet—take the tanker loading to Roberts Bank,where it belongs. Less marine traffic equals less potential !

2.And move the KM storage tanks to the Fraser valley—Kinder Morgan already have a right–of-way for their pipeline traversing the Fraser Valley (to supply the Anacortes refinery in Washington State oil refinery).Possibly relocate the Chevron refinery to the same location?

All of us Burrard Inlet Community residents(BICres) need to demand that our community leaders ,Premier Clark and Stephen Harper tell these Kinder Morgan folks about the RULES for doing business and profiting in our neighbourhood.

It’s simple—we want Kinder Morgan to listen and do the sensible thing-

Start writing your letters to your favourite reporter,Councilor,MLA, or MP—yes, even Christy and Stephen would love to hear from their potential voters--eh?

Oil is to blame!--shut down all pipelines--NOW!

A recent Ottawa Citizen editorial headline told us that ‘CLIMATE CHANGE IS UPON US’ and went on to tell us --

“We expect to see to more extreme weather events”—photos of washed out roads in Wawa,Ontario were included!

Is that so? Tell us where it’ll occur ,and when and how ‘extreme’ please—it’s a good thing that we have those smarter folks in Ottawa to warn us of these pending disasters...much like the 2005 Katrina ‘crystal ball gazers’ telling us to expect more Katrinas—soon! I don’t recollect any new Katrinas—climate change keeps changing--seems to be so unpredictable!

Wikipedia tells us that Sandy was the 84th serious weather incident ,in the New York state,New England area,since 1700 ---there was one in 1938 that claimed 600 lives—Sandy,sadly 90+ lives.

While interesting stuff,I don’t believe the washed out roads in Wawa ,Ontario will be mentioned in Wikipedia—damn—and such a good photo!

The editorial went on “if we stand around while weather patterns evolve-- ”there will be serious implications " . OK, now we know what’s coming –would these experts please tell us what to do.

Maybe we should hold hands and jump up and down—something like that is ‘bound’ to help—No! (just trying to be helpful.)

We’re also told that ‘Canada has recently committed $150 million aimed at better understanding...climate change’--- Let’s wait for the study—and would the ‘editor who contributed this piece please offer their services’ to Stephen Harper.

In the 70’s we we were told to prepare for the ‘coming ice age’—then in the 90’s it was ‘global warming’—then we became unsure ,so let’s call it ‘climate change’---I wish the IPCC and David Suzuki would make up my mind!

Who pays for next big screwup??

First fix a few things then assure us that you'll pay fir next big mess!

“A) Assurance

There is just ONE project and 4 participants—the pipelines, terminals,ships and oil producers.

NONE of these ‘PROFITERS’ wants to bear the consequences of the ‘big disaster’ which we all fear—

Disaster insurance by the those in the oil patch and associated industries could be a fair way to improve how disasters are paid for—those paying the premiums would be self examiners;the insurer would perform the ‘due diligence’ to evaluate the capability of the insured——the ‘deductible’ obviously would be a function performance record. Result;better built and managed facilities—I know,such disaster insurance is not a subject for this lay person.—Companies and corporations know all the tricks to minimize liability—the 4 project participants need to convince us, in BC, that THEY give a damn –Tell us that “We ,collectively,propose to deal with the consequences of the inevitable DISASTER and this is what we propose...!”

Disasters happen in spite of best efforts—

HUMAN factors ; inadequate training—negligence ---drugs and alcohol –hanky panky –fatigue --sabotage--sudden severe illness—revenge--bribery

NATURAL factors—severe weather,flood,erosion, earthquake,tsunami,etc..

TECHNICAL issues—aging material--obsolescence--design flaws--unpredicted/ changing operating conditions--inadequate maintenance/inspection,etc..

AND OTHER  stuff!

All that we can ask is that the project participants convince us that they wish to be good neighbors and show a willingness to REDUCE THE PROBABILITY of a severe incident in our neighborhood..

B) Project Physical Changes;

1.ENBRIDGE move your terminal to an outside port location—out of Douglas Channel

and

2. KINDER MORGAN—move your terminal and shipping out of Burrard Inlet—

Yes,ENBRIDGE and KINDER MORGAN you CAN and MUST do these basic ‘things’ –a SENSIBLE START for gaining public support--

British Columbia beaches and wilderness shores could ruined for decades—then where would our cousins form Alberta go to play..?

Come on Alison and Christy help bring these projects to fruition.

It’s not too late—to do it right!”

BC Enbridge/Kinder morgan Pipeline Dilemma

Enbridge and Kinder Morgan pipeline projects—there are 3 ‘parts’—but 2 parts are missing!

Part 1. the PIPELINE –receives due process.

The (NEB )Hearings formula is imperfect—but it can work! .. we’ll see?

Part 2. LARGE CRUDE OIL TANKERS: No public hearing ?

--see some of Mr. Wagner’s testimony at recent(Sep 2) Joint Review panel in Kitimat ,B.C.. .. excerpts from pages 6,7,8,9 of https://www.neb-one.gc.ca/ll-eng/livelink.exe/fetch/2000/90464/90552/384192/620327/628981/632175/A1U3D8_-_ThuSep2.10_-_Vol_5?nodeid=632203&vernum=0 )

“2480. Enbridge has stated many times in this proposal .... at meetings....... and in the media that their involvement with crude oil ENDS at the Kitimat terminal.

“2481.

“The project proponents have “no connection” to the shipping—they keep telling us—so how is the public to be satisfied..which government body will ‘approve’ the shipping component of these projects ?”

Part 3. the TERMINALS---the public has no say?

There exists a ship loading terminal and related facilities REVIEW process (TERMPOL)-- carried out behind closed doors?

Some of Mr. Wagner’s testimony

“2468. There’s no input or overview from opponents, no cross-examination of people and organizations under oath,--- ...”

Dr. Gerald Graham comments similarly ; see http://bcmarine.blogspot.ca/2006/08/time-to-termmpinate-terol.html “Another problem with the (Termpol) process is that it is basically conducted in secret. The documentation the proponent is tasked with furnishing is kept confidential, with the public not having any access to it ...

-we have due process for PIPELINES and ; should be OK—

-the SHIPPING will be discussed in secret—

-and the TERMINAL has a behind closed door review.

While most of us are greatly concerned about the oil tankers—’don’t worry , be happy’ –the smart folks in the backrooms will look after the peasants concerns—you know the old saying “ I’m from the government—I’m here to help”.

—comforting eh?

Carl Shalansky,P. Eng.(retired)

3359 Redfern Place

North Vancouver,B.C.,v7n3w2

604 9864657

bin there dun that

Kitimat

( the following consists of excerpts from http://www.empr.gov.bc.ca/Mining/Geoscience/MapPlace/thematicmaps/OffshoreMapGallery/Documents/West-Coast-Oil-Port-Inquiry-Statement-of-Proceedings.pdf )

“MY Terms of Reference authorize me to inquire into the

environmental, social and navigational safety aspects of

oil port proposals and the general public concerns about

oil tanker traffic on the west coast of Canada. ..... many ordinary citizens of this province are apprehensive.

So far fears about oil spills on this coast are

based mostly on fictional scenarios,

.... These fears are nonetheless real. Moreover, I

cannot now set these concerns at rest, because I have not

been satisfied thus far that a major oil spill in British

Columbia coastal waters is unlikely or without the potential

for catastrophic consequences.

Because these concerns about a major oil spill cannot be

dismissed, this Inquiry is not merely about the mitigation

of adverse environmental, social, and navigational safety

impacts -- it is about whether an oil port should be

built at all!

A unique aspect of the west coast oil port proposals is

that all the benefits are seen to flow outside the province.

Only the risks remain.

...Certainly, the crude oil which would be imported through Kitimat is not

required for British Columbia. Nor do the proponent

companies include any Canadian needs in their projections.

If the final assessment, after all the experts have been

heard, is that oil spill damage may be catastrophic,

British Columbians will expect other Canadians to respect

their right to say NO!

(iii) Conclusions

If an oil port is established at Kitimat there will

inevitably be oil spills on the adjacent coast of British Columbia.”

The West Coast Oil Ports Inquiry was set up in March 1977 specifically to investigate the Kitimat proposal.

... On 23 February 1978, the Government of Canada determined that there is "no need for a west coast oil port now or in the foreseeable future..

....will we luck out, again

Where's the Beef?

"We have to do everything we can to ensure confidence in the project," Janet Holder (of the Northern Gateway Pipeline project) said in July 2012..Always lots of fancy TALK from those folks-but ‘where’s the BEEF?’

Now in August, we see more full page ENBRIDGE COMMERCIALS !!When will it end?

What I want to see is an operations safety EPIPHANY by the Board!

Public Confidence may be the follow when we see Enbridge create an organization that DEALS WITH the areas of concern, that will develop on their pipeline, the day after it’s commissioned—

Who is to be RESPONSIBLE to monitor and report about system ‘areas of concern’ TO THE BOARD!Who will be ACCOUNTABLE to make the necessary decisions for ongoing,timely ACTION?

And, who will bear the CONSEQUENCES when another Kalamazoo,Michigan fiasco erupts??It appears that there was no organization during the Michigan nightmare—who should bear the blame for screw ups?

Who LET the organization delay action on the pending difficulties on the Michigan pipeline—??If not the BOARD,then WHO?

SO PLEASE ,tell us how your CULTURE has changed today and how your ORGANIZATION will be STRUCTURED to deal with these vital issues on the Northern Gateway pipeline!---please draw an organization chart,showing positions and responsibilities AND spell out how the Board will steer this ship—from Edmonton to Kitimat—and through Douglas Channel—Please.

Some public ‘confidence’ may follow---because the existing organization appeared inept  and confused in Michigan—.

Now, show us the BEEF!

pipeline identification MUSTS

pipeline identification musts!

It's easy to point the finger at the operators and field personnel for this spectacular and expensive event but perhaps blame more correctly belongs in the comfortable chairs around the polished hardwood table of the Enbridge board room CONTROLLING the pipeline— the NTSB reported how the central control room operators and local Enbridge field personnel responded/behaved—but who allowed these operators to be so ill prepared to deal with the Kalamazoo fiasco?
If not the Board,
then WHO?
Corporate Board responsibility starts with handling ‘the small things’ effectively;
‘Small things’, such staying in touch with the public in a meaningful/productive way, is always a major challenge for corporations with underground operating facilities.All corporate management, employees and associates are to be CONTINUALLY TRAINED how to communicate with and alert the public about corporate facilities ; some methods are-
1.) highly VISIBLE pipe line markers placed along the right of way—at intervals easily seen by anyone
2.) odorizing contents so that leaks are easily RECOGNIZED by anyone
3.)sending notices to land owners and residents ADVISING about THE pipe, and procedures to follow for typical ‘situations’
4.)meeting with local neighborhood groups to inform about LOCATION of company facilities and procedures to follow as the situation may warrant(smell,noise,—call before you dig,etc )
5.)sending occasional bulletins , producing local radio and TV NOTICES about ‘what to do ,who to notify,etc..)
6.)trained ‘ line walkers’ to look for POTENTIAL PROBLEMS –(construction activities,leak survey,etc.)and communicate with land owners ,residents about safety,etc.
7.) HELICOPTER patrols to ensure quick access for up CLOSE INSPECTION as the situation warrants
8.) TRAINING sessions for local contractors and colleague utility owners about typical procedures for pre-locating facilities and procedures for dealing with damage,etc.
9.)seek INVOLVEMENT in local emergency planning and coordination groups
Likely there are other recommendations but the above list provides some idea of the challenge of keeping local citizens AWARE of company underground facilities.
The company may have a few miles of line—or several thousand miles of lines,located in farm land,highly populated neighborhoods, or moose pasture;yet each foot of line is potentially vulnerable to third party damage,floods,corrosion,land slides,sabotage,operations errors,—and,and.
POINT:customers and public expect CONTINUAL and professional MANAGEMENT of facilities in their neighborhood—NOTHING less.
That’s what I expect of the Corporate Board of Directors that want their business to operate in MY community; be a part of the community.
And what will the ENBRIDGE Board do to convince us that they belong in our neighborhood?

 

tight oil-bakken oil mixup

As Rick (of Tyee)reminds me--thanks Rick:, you are right as to my sloppy terminology--the dilemma remains for me however---there's huge 'oil production' potential on the horizon, and coming soon, we're led to believe--if I'm to believe the numbers put forward on line--be it shale oil or Bakken reserve or?? --the issue might still be, is the Alberta tar sands oil becoming challenged by these new deposits--a scary thought for some??
As for natural gas picture it's the same concern--no matter where it originates,,yes I read about the fracking concerns but they're still fracking!--as I understand the situation there's a huge abundance of natural gas in the world(yes likely the shale deposits)--and every one that has any is scrambling to find a market--natural gas is a superb energy resource and I wonder why it's so under utilized--how are your Encana shares doing--and why is that??Thus my conspiracy implication..
What to do? sell Syncrude, sell OR buy Encana? move to Saskatchewan---
I know, this is no laughing matter--so any comprehensive dissertation on the big picture would be welcomed--let's ask the BIGGIES in the oil and gas PATCH to paint the BIG PICTURE for us--something you'll believe!!Are you laughing yet?still?

ENBRIDGE might just GO AWAY!

Our squabble with Enbridge might soon become academic –the more I read about the BAKKEN MONSTER the more bewildered I become!

The immense Bakken reserves worldwide we’re told could make the whole Alberta Bitumen site obsolete ,soon! Nonsense you say!

Everybody better start watching this new oil player(the Bakken stories online will frighten you!)—because it’s here-BIG TIME!!

Huge Bakken reserves in central North America( North Dakota,Saskatchewan,Montana,etc.)the Williston Basin, also in Texas,and the Northwest Territories,---even Israel---and of course the Russian fields reported to be orders of magnitude larger than ALL the other fields so far Identified!Just a fairy tale you say---WELL how is it then that Texas Bakken oil producers are planning to rail ship 100,000 barrels per day to Washington State refineries—of course North Dakota are also planning to do something similar—what’s Saskatchewan up to then—will they soon annouce some big scheme— you can read  that our friends Enbridge and Keystone are including the Bakken production in their pipeline plans-NOW.

HOLD IT you say—that’s all speculation –what about the ‘frackin’ debate—not an unsolvable problem some say—an on and on..

There are stories about the US becoming oil exporters ! Russia too can build a pipeline to ASIA whenever they choose-What’s going on here—no one knows and/or is no one is telling.

Will Alison Redford(Alberta Premier) soon be worrying about being a ‘have not’ province and recognize Saskatchewan as the major producer in Canada—sacre bleu!

The Bakken oil is said to be a “light oil’ that’s easy to refine??Another issue that tar sands folks don’t want to hear—the Bakken oil ALREADY is claimed to be cheaper to produce than the tar sands oil.

If you’re not confused yet—think about an obvious answer to many of our energy problems—it’s called NATURAL GAS! I wonder why the big oil folks are keeping such a tight lid on this ideal resource—could it have something to do with money??

You say this is all speculation with no substance--well,maybe you’re correct—but I’d guess that big boys and girls already have plan that makes them lots and lots of money---maybe even OPEC could become extinct—or are they included in the SCHEME—any bets?

Our Northern Gateway Pipeline dilemma might become a non issue –soon. Enbridge could see better opportunities on the horizon and JUST WALK AWAY from the pipeline to Kitimat!!

Whatever—the problem with energy shortage of yestereday just got a lot more difficult with our now ENERGY SURPLUS-world wide..

Lots of ammunition here for the environmentalist folks—what’s their solution?Let’s here it!

Enbridge Board behaviour

 

A recent news article suggests that the (US) NTSB, blames the (Canadian)National Energy BOARD  for the resultant Enbridge Michigan,Kalamazoo oil spill fiasco.

—

Yes a BOARD was at fault—but not the NEB(Board)—but as implied in the original NTSB report, it was Enbridge—ULTIMATELY the Enbridge BOARD--who else? How’s the NEB going to FIX things?

 

Corporate BOARDS, of complex technical facilities, must have a structure that requires a RESPONSIBLE Corporate Technical OFFICER(CTO) to monitor and Counsel a Board about the condition of the physical plant and the schedule for any required action—on an ongoing basis(similar to the Corporate Financial Officer(CFO) who counsels about financial issues).Fiduciary matters are important—but SOCIETAL matters are also a Board’s responsibilities!

With this structure the Board then becomes ACCOUNTABLE for plant integrity and deficiencies;for example,major pipeline LEAKS. Simple as that!

As a minimum the BOARD must be seen to have been diligent in managing their facilities appropriately! Good management doesn’t necessarily eliminate incidents, such as leaks—but a good , well organized management will certainly minimize incidents—and likely improve response to incidents when the need arises!

The article suggests that the NEB or NTSB can somehow MAKE the ENBRIDGES of the world pay more attention to safety—ha ha! Make the Corporate Board ACCOUNTABLE then they’ll do a good job or they’ll bear the CONSEQUENCES of their good or bad management!

Or should we instead hire ‘lots’ of NEB inspectors to snoop around looking for boo boos!

The existing regulations and codes don’t suggest anywhere that ‘neglect’ or ‘delay’ is an ‘OK way’ to manage a pipeline—so,don’t rewrite regulations—rewrite how Boards should be structured for hazardous infrastructure systems!

Can NEB regulations deal with this matter—or are our LAW MAKERS required to make appropriate s changes as to how Boards are structured?

The old cliches about Responsibility,Accountability, and Consequences when applied judiciously will ALWAYS work best..we all need to follow those simple rules—behave or you get a short term TIMEOUT for wee kids—or for bigger ‘BOARD’ boys and girls its TOTAL TIMEOUT !

 

what do BOARDS of DIRECTORS direct?

I’m a retired ‘old’ engineer and have been watching the Enbridge and Kinder Morgan pipeline debates in BC–even sending letters here and there.
No one has answered a basic question for me-yet; that is, how and why Enbridge got caught so off guard –particularly in the Kalamzoo pipeline oil spill fiasco—was the Board somehow doing what Boards of the day DO/DID?---and do you see where todays Board is likely to pay more attention to matters ‘not ONLY related to fiduciary matters'----I have been reading online about changes in the UK and USA that may require Boards to pay more attention to the BROADER ASPECTS  of business-can,should these changes be adopted in Canada?
A Board of Directors(BOD), in a publically held company, has a fiduciary has responsibility to the shareholders...the concept of the Board suggests to me that there will be a consensus when BROADER issues arise -something like that-right? Some suggest that the Board, in reality, is more often like an Old Boys Club(OBC)—where the Chairman or (CEO ?) calls the shots---and matters such as our system 'condition' is left to the operating plebs!
The Corporate  Financial OFFICER(CFO) has great influence when counselling the Board I assume--BUT  where's the Corporate Technical Officer (CTO) who is RESPONSIBLE to counsel the Board about the 'STATE OF OUR PHYSICAL PLANT?'For instance ,the CTO may say "members,we have AREAS OF CONCERN that need attention --here's the list --please advise when we can proceed with the action plan attached"! Ha!Ha! you say. How many complex technical ,physical plant ,organizations ever hear such a request??
This procedure would make the Board ACCOUNTABLE for deciding about system integrity--an ACCOUNTABLE BOARD--what a novel concept??
How is the typical big company(business) ‘run’---I see three scenarios,below;
1.A large investment or financial business will have many accounting,economists, financial specialists folks offering advice to the Board(via the CFO)—great--hell some of these mega companies have survived—with help from Joe Bloe’s tax dollars(recall the ‘handy’ government bailouts)..?
2.A large public utility (electric,gas,water typically)can be under the jurisdiction of a Public Utilities Commission and is allowed fixed return on their investment and no more—The utility must yield to Public Utilities Commission(PUC) directions as to it’s operating practices,and expenses...the PUC basically is required to assure the users(ratepayers) that the Utility is providing the service at a reasonable cost ...the PUC may compare operating costs with other similar utilities nationwide ...the typical Hearing will examine utility company officials on any and all matters raised by customers and the public..all testimony(transcripts) is recorded and offered to the public for their information...the problem sometimes lies with governments of the day that have their own agenda—and decide ,for their own political reasons to ,curtail the PUC ‘powers’---so the scrutiny of the PUC then becomes moot...like in British Columbia  today!
3.A typical large pipeline company—a complex business with huge financial investments and very significant public issues to manage.I don’t know how the typical pipeline company Board operates.Yes the board has fiduciary responsibilities AND public issues also—There have been recent changes in the UK and USA for Boards—in the UK the Board needs to consider “the impact of the company’s operations on the community and the environment”—and there are five other interesting ‘factors’.—In the U.S. there is the Sarbanes –Oxley Act which broadens the Boards area of responsibility,(resulted from the recent financial crisis in the U.S.-and signed into law by George W. Bush)-looks to me to be directed primarily at large financial public companies.
In light of these’ trends’ for Boards will this spill over into Canada and put more pressure on the Enbridges and Kinder Morgans to consider more” the impact of the company’s operations on the community and the environment”—I’m assuming that some of these changes will happen in Canada??
Or am I living in a fairy land--still??

move all of kinder morgan facilities out of Burrard Inlet!

This idea removes Kinder Morgan(KM) tanker loading terminal and oil storage tanks,all oil tanker and barge traffic and the Chevron Refinery from Burrard Inlet—an old Bill Vander Zalm idea in part.

Subject: Combine oil refinery and Kinder Morgan tank farm at new site,not in Burrard Inlet.

Some of us do not like a greatly expanded oil tank farm high on the slopes of Burnaby Mountain and with a gravity feed into Burrard Inlet!

Some may recall that Bill Vander Zalm in his heyday proposed a plan to combine our refineries –get them out of Burrard inlet and have a more efficient single refinery operation .Well now let’s bring that idea forward and solve a huge problem for Greater Vancouver.

1.As some have suggested; relocate Kinder Morgan(KM )LOADING terminal to Roberts Bank—where it belongs!

2.Relocate KM TANK FARM to the suggested new refinery site and include super earthquake proof containment enclosures for all facilities

3.Chevron could build a new larger REFINERY at this site—maybe a joint operation with another interested refiner?

4.Challenge: Find a suitable site for new refinery and combined tank farm facilities.

5.Benefits:Reduce hazard potential of large oil spill in Burrard Inlet and local beaches.

: create larger, more secure local supply for refined products—and possibly some other oil based products--even export ?

:more,better jobs potential.

6.Who to promote this project——are you ready Bill?