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Letter: Pipeline expansion far from 'marginal'

Dear Editor, Re: “Pipeline expansion sought,” News, April 27 I see that the pipeline proponents have filed an amendment to the B.C. Environmental Assessment Office (BCEAO) for a 10 per cent increase in the pipeline diameter.
Richmond News
jet fuel
The controversial plan has to barge jet fuel up the south arm of the Fraser River and then off-load at a facility, such as the one pictured, has been given an environmental certificate by the B.C. government.Submitted

Dear Editor,

Re: “Pipeline expansion sought,” News, April 27

I see that the pipeline proponents have filed an amendment to the B.C. Environmental Assessment Office (BCEAO) for a 10 per cent increase in the pipeline diameter. This “marginal” increase represents a 21 per cent increase in the pipeline’s capacity. This increase in capacity, in turn, represents an additional increase of 1,400 barrels of fuel. This is not a marginal increase. 

This means the quality and volume resolution of the pipeline leak detection system is even more important.

The route changes are only vaguely referred to in VAFFC’s letter to the BCEAO. The interesting part of the process is the lack of direct public input. 

The BCEAO will establish a working group directed by the BCEAO and VAFFC. It will submit to EAO a written report summarizing the results of the public consultation and notification activities. 

There will be no direct input from the public. 

Don Flintoff

Richmond