With Endridge hearings now in their final stage what has been ignored is the precise route the pipeline would take. However, a topographical map will show the McKenzie, Fraser, and Skeena watersheds cannot be avoided with a pipeline from Alberta to Kitimat.
Let us examine all three watersheds, keeping in mind that Enbridge has been responsible for (numerous) oil spills since 1999, which guarantees there shall be more.
Adding significantly to the hazard is, the pipeline would pass through some of the most hazardous terrain in North America creating a spill potential far in excess of any flatland prairie pipeline.
Fifty kms north east of P.G. is the Continental Divide where all waters flow into the Arctic Ocean, primarily through the Peace River, which then flows into the McKenzie River. The affects to the McKenzie River from a bitumen spill are enormous given the McKenzie is the number-one Canadian river flowing into the Arctic Ocean.
The Skeena and Fraser rivers end their journeys in the Pacific Ocean. A principal industry in B.C. is our fisheries, both commercial and recreational, generating millions of dollars, and many thousands of jobs every year. Not only is our fishing industry crucial to B.C.'s economy, but fully 80 per cent of our fishery is produced in two watersheds-the Fraser and Skeena.
Yet most puzzling of all is Enbridge's choice of Kitimat over Prince Rupert as the terminal port. With a Kitimat terminal 1,200-foot tankers would first have to wiggle their way 80 kms to exit Douglas Channel, and then weave their way past Gill. Farrani, Fin, and Campania Islands, as well as past Trutch and Banks Islands, to finally exit into Hecate Straight.
Hecate Straight is shallow and prone to severe storms. occasionally grounding ships even as small as B.C. Ferries.
A Rupert terminal could easily be constructed with clear sailing all the way to Asia. So why did Enbridge choose Kitimat over Prince Rupert?
A skeptic might say the Enbridge group, along with the two respective governments, will announce in the committee report a terminal switch to Prince Rupert, a prearranged ploy to coerce more people onside with Enbridge.
However, as important as the marine route is a bitumen pipeline through the hazardous terrain of British Columbia is blatantly irresponsible.
John Francis
Prince George
