NO to Jet Fuel Tankers in the Fraser River Estuary!
VAPOR Society is proud to announce the "Save the Fraser" pledge for this election. Leaders Pledge (Updated Apr. 24) and MLA Candidates Pledge (Updated May 3) Check back frequently to see who has signed.
VAPOR Press Release regarding the Feb. 25, 2013 suspension here.
Press Release by Viki Huntington here.
Where is the public input!?
Port Metro Vancouver's Tanker Risk study (renamed Tanker Traffic study has been released. Also recently released was VAFFC's study into the effects of Jet Fuel on Biofim. Both have been conveniently released after the last public consultation. VAPOR insists that the public must be allowed to comment on a COMPLETE project proposal, especially on reports that relate to the risks the proposal present.
- Tanker Traffic study - no EAO public review!
- Fisheries Loss Compensation study - no EAO public review!
- Biofilm-Sandpiper spill study - no EAO public review!
- Spill contingency study - no EAO public review!
The important document VAFFC's Spill Risk report was recieved by the BC Evironmental Assesment Office on June 1, 2012, but was not posted for public viewing until November 19, 2012!!
These are not trivial documents the validity and conclusions they draw cannot be understated. Include, that the only Federal approval agency Port Metro Vancouver (PMV) is in a conflict of interest as PMV will profit from its approval; 180 day process has now gone on for over 700 days and the last time the public was able to ask questions about the project as a whole was the 2 minutes each given in 2010, does that seem like a fair process?
Polls
It's clear that the general public oppose fuel tankers in the Fraser River Estuary.
Update!: recent poll by Straight.com again shows that close to 90% of those who answer the poll do not want this project to proceed!
!!Environment Canada's letters regarding VAFFC's project proposal!!
"The Project would present a new and unacceptable risk to the locally, nationally and internationally important fish and wildlife populations of the Fraser River estuary."
"The department does not share the same confidence as the proponent that the spill response plan would effectively and reliably protect the high ecological values and sensitivities of the estuary."
-Environment Canada Letter, August 17, 2011
To view the letter:Aug. 17, 2011 Environment Canada Letter
"The Proponent has not offered credible, science-based evidence in support of their position."
"Environment Canada agrees that using Panamax class tankers would result in fewer ships (though this could change with predicted increase demand over time); however, the consequences of a catastrophic spill would be much greater."
-Environment Canada Letter, January 3, 2012
To view the letter:Jan. 3, 2012 Environment Canada Letter
The EAO's comment period regarding Vancouver Airport Fuel Facilities Corporation (VAFFC) addendum to change the pipeline route in now closed. The comments can be viewed at Vancouver Airport Fuel Delivery Project Comments.
Important Government contacts
It is very important to send your comments and opinions to Local, Province and Federal representatives below are a few suggested e-mail contacts:
The Vancouver Airport Fuel Facilities Corporation (VAFFC) plans to have oil tankers travelling 15 kilometres east up the south arm of the Fraser River to unload and store up to 80 million litres of jet fuel on banks of the Fraser River in seismicly sensitive ground that will straddle large parts of Richmond with unreasonable risk and responsibility to our environment, health and prosperity. We are not opposed to responsible fuel delivery to the airport, but this plan is unacceptable!! We are demanding that VAFFC look at better options to meet their need. So this website was created to increase awareness of this issue and to encourage people to get involved and have their voices heard!
Video of Miami Tank farm fire on March 24, 2011
Proximity of the Marine Terminal to Residential and Commerical Buildings
Conecept drawing of the Marine Terminal and Tank Farm. Small oil tanker shown.
The ACTUAL size (footprint) of 300 meter x 50 meter PanMax oil Tanker.
Potential Risk!
Spills on the Fraser:
VAFFC's plan would have Oil tankers similar in size to one depicted below travelling 15 kilometers up Fraser River. Navigating around other commercial and recreational traffic and debris. Mooring and unloading on a busy river way is fool-hardy. Any spill that does occur will spread quickly due to the flow of the river. Posing significant risk to environment and those use and live near the river.
Possible type and size of Fuel tankers that could be on the Fraser River.
Fuel spill on the Mississippi River. Why risk the Fraser River to a similar fate?. Accidents, Acts of Nature and unforseen events happen, best option must be chosen and this is not it!
Map of the Liquefaction hazard in Richmond, BC. To see a larger version Click Here.
Map of the Proposed Pipeline route. To see a larger version Click Here.
What can you do?
NEW!
- Sign our online petition: VAPOR Petition
- Print out our convenient comment form, write down your concerns and send it to the BC Environmential Assessment Office.
VAPOR Comment Form
- Have a vapor window sticker placed in your winodw.
If interested please contact Carol Day at 604-240-1986 a suggested donation of $20 would be greatly appreciated. - Become a VAPOR Society member! VAPOR Membership Form
- Check this page often for updates.
- Contact your local MLA, city council, Minister of Water, Land & Air protection and BC Premier and tell them how you feel about this project and what options your prefer.
