In
Prince Rupert,
Terry
Lake (BC Environment Minister) agreed that “this is not just about
Gateway(Enbridge Pipeline)...then he (Lake)goes on to say ‘we want a
regulated,legislated system...to MINIMIZE THE RISK .. and to respond to ANY
incidents...and we’ve been urging the federal government to develop
(coastline?) regulations,etc.—(the coastline is under federal
jurisdiction).
In
Ottawa,
Scott
Vaughn,Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development states that
”the Harper government’s disaster planning has not kept pace with proposals to
greatly expand oilsand exports from B.C” . In 2010 there were 600 tankers on
our coast; soon to be 2400 tankers(many with increased
capacity).
What
to do...?
1.
Terry Lake’ suggestion; ‘minimize the risk’—you know, like get out of Douglas
channel and Burrard inlet,etc..
2.Create
a JOINT ‘project proponents and government’ oil spill OPERATIONS PLAN and
financial spill DISASTER FUND –all the those benefitting to provide funding
(including oil producers,shippers,pipeliners and each benefitting government)
based on their share of the ‘PROFITS’ from the project.
3.Call
on the world’s insurance houses and to assist in development of a ‘B.C.’ ocean
Disaster Cost Recovery Fund.
4.Oil
spill OPERATIONS PLAN (acquire materiel,build facilities and train staff) and
develop joint plans with other jurisdictions.
Other
‘transport industries’ have similar problems—for instance,the airline industry
has evolved greatly,’safety wise’—But there’s still the chance that a 747 may
‘land’ at Georgia and Granville or your bedroom—there are no guarantees—but we
can always do better...if we try!
...OR
someone come up with a better workable plan..please.
Seems
strange that, after these everlasting NEB goings-on, a key issue (ocean oil
spills) has been essentially ignored—
Yes,
the problem is not within NEB terms of reference—but THE PROBLEM IS REAL and
requires action—POLITICAL action,NOW!
Come
on leaders—LEAD
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