VAPOR Logo

VAPOR-A Society for Vancouver Airport Fuel Project Opposition for Richmond

VAPOR Society Objective

  • To opppose any jet fuel water borne transport on the Fraser River Estuary and to promote a safer and more secure fuel delivery system to YVR by means of land pipeline fuel delivery system.
  • To protect the wildlife and fish habitat and minimise the risks to the ecology and public safety in the Fraser River and associated waterways in BC.
  • To undertake similar activities or initiatives as agreed upon by the membership and executive.

 

NEW! VAFFC Public info sessions. Have your say!

Please take time to attend and let the proponent know your concerns and how you feel about this project.

Date: May 14, 2016
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Place: Executive Airport Plaza
             7311 Westminster Highway, Richmond, B.C.
Map

Date: May 25, 2016
Time: 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Place: Sandman Signature Vancouver Hotel
             10251 St. Edwards Drive, Richmond, B.C.
Map

Musqueam Indian Band Letter of protest

The Musqueam Indian Band have sent letters of protest requesting that premits not be issued, stating that "The Band does not support the Project" and "The proposed project is a major infridgment on our Aboriginal rights and title..."

letter

A full copy of the letter can be found here.

Press Release: PMV Issues Permit for Construction of VAFFC Jet Fuel Terminal and Tank Farm

It is with extreme disappointment that the VAPOR Society has learned that Port Metro Vancouver (PMV) has issued a permit for construction of a jet fuel offloading terminal and large tank farm to VAFFC (Vancouver Airport Fuel Facilities Corp.) in the middle of the globally significant Fraser River Estuary. The full press release can be found here.

NEWS!: PMV approves VAFFC permit, construct begins next week.

It is much disappointment and anger VAPOR Society reports that Port Metro Vancouver gave their inevitable approval and permit to VAFFC to construct 80 million litre tank farm on the banks of the Fraser River (see the permit approval here). Construct begins next week and VAPOR it looking at actions to take at this point. Article realative to this can be found here.

Press Release: VAPOR Defeats VAFFC Application for Court Costs

Friday Jan 22, BC Supreme Court Madam Justice Dillon refused to grant VAFFC (Vancouver Airport Fuel Facility Corporation) an order that Otto Langer and VAPOR pay VAFFC's court costs. The full Press Release can be found here.

Press Release: VAPOR back in court again on January 22, 2016

After VAPOR lost the case the Attorney General of B.C., who represented the Executive Director of the EAO (Environmental Assessment Office) and the Ministers of Environment and Natural Gas Development, determined that they were not seeking that VAPOR pay the Province’s legal costs. Despite that, in October, 2015 the Vancouver Airport Fuel Facilities Corporation (VAFFC - a corporation representing Air Canada, Westjet, Air China, Lufthansa, KLM and about 25 other airlines at YVR) decided that VAFFC is not prepared to forgo the usual entitlement of the successful party to legal costs of the judicial review. The full Press Release can be found here.

Press Release: Regarding the short notice of VAFFC/PMV Open House - Aug. 25, 2015

VAPOR Society is formally objecting to the short notice given for the open house on August 29,2015 and comment closure date of September 19 regarding Port Metro Vancouver’s (PMV) permit review process, of Vancouver Airport Fuel Facilities Corporation (VAFFC) application for Fuel Receiving Facilities and pipeline on PMV’s land. The full Press Release can be found here.

Andrew Taylor Senior Planner at Port Metro Vancouver stated that parties where notified in 1000 ft radius around the project.

This is what 1000ft radius looks like:

Radius

This completely excludes nearby residential and entertainment complex. THIS COMPLETE UN ACCEPTABLE & DECEPTIVE. This is what counts as a public consultation? This is the state of reviews that could dramtically impact human and environmental health in this province.

VAPOR Society Press Release June 25, 2015: VAPOR Loses Court Decision

The full Press Release can be found here.

On June 24, 2015, the Supreme Court ruled in favour of the Province of British Columbia’s Environmental Assessment Office and the Vancouver Airport Fuel Facilities Corporation (VAFFC), a nonprofit organization owned by a consortium of most of the commercial airlines that operate out of Vancouver International Airport (YVR).

VAPOR and Otto Langer applied for judicial review of the decision of the Minister of Natural Gas and Development (Rich Coleman) and the Minister of Environment (Mary Polak), granting an Environmental Assessment Certificate to the VAFFC in December, 2013, arguing that the public were not properly consulted during the Environmental Assessment process.

VAPOR and Otto Langer are disappointed by the Court’s decision and are reviewing it with their legal counsel to determine what can be done next.

Fraser River Fuel Spill

Fraser River Spill Capsized fishing boat spills fuel into Fraser River

While this diesel spill was fortunately relatively small (estimated to be 20 Gallons) the slick it produced could be seen from Alex Fraser Bridge to the Massey tunnel.   It underscores how fast and uncontainable a fuel spill is inthe moving river current.  The proponent has stated that spill frequency probability at 6,000 liters every 6 years and 120,000 litres every 32 with even more frequent smaller spills during transferring from the panmax tankers to the land.  BC government was informed about the spill risk and approved it anyways effectively sanctioning jet fuel spills into the Fraser River Estuary.

The BC government could have said to the proponent this spill risk is unacceptable, it is too high, come back with better plan! Instead they just rubber stamped it, business as usual.

Oil Boom

Fraser River fuel spill: Fuel on the outside of the boom.

English Bay Oil Spill

Clark Oil spill response by coast guard blasted by Vancouver mayor, B.C. premier

Premier Christy Clark has admitted that the BC coast does not have the resources to deal oil spill. The recent oil spill in English Bay proves that. Yet her government approved Jet fuel transport in the Fraser River even though the proponent has predicted spill probability of 6,000 litres every 6 years and 120,000 every 32 years.

New: Update on VAPOR Society Judicial Review in B.C. Supreme Court

Update on the Judicial Review of Environmental Certificate completed in B.C. Supreme Court on can be found here

VAPOR Society Press Release February 1, 2015

On Feb. 10-12, the VAPOR Society and Otto E. Langer will have their application for judicial review
heard in the Supreme Court of British Columbia, arguing the public did not have a meaningful
opportunity to comment on the project. The full press release can be found here.

News: The VAPOR Society back in court February 10 – 12, 2015

On February 10, 11 and 12 VAPOR Society and Otto E. Langer vs. BC Provincial Government and Vancouver Airport Fuel Facilities Corporation will be back in BC Supreme court to complete the presentation of arguments in court. However, VAPOR still requires funds to complete this legal action. 

The public is welcome to come and observe these proceedings.

Ridiculous facts/false claims about the VAFFC project

  • The choice is either tanker truck on roads or jet fuel tankers in the Fraser River. False there are much safer options to transport jet fuel.
  • This project severs direct connection to local refinery and YVR has no direct connection any of two refineries within 50km. True
  • Plane need fuel to fly. True, but it does not mean delivery of that fuel cannot be the safest practical option.
  • Tankers deliveries are the safest for public and environment. False they are one of the worst options there are much safer options to transport transport jet.

New Letters of support

The City of Burnaby letter of support can be found here 

The Nature Vancouver letter of support can be found here

The City of Richmond letter of support can be found here

The Delta Naturalists Society letter of support can be found here

 

The Council of Canadians letter of support can be found here

The David Suzuki Foundation letter of support can be found here

The Fraser River Keeper's letter of support can be found here

VAPOR Society Newsletter

VAPOR Society October Newsletter can downloaded here

 

News: VAPOR will be in BC Supreme Court  November 26 and 27th for a judicial review

The VAPOR Society has initiated legal action a press release regarding these action can be found here.  However, VAPOR still requires funds to complete this legal action.  Please donate today.

VAPOR Society legal council

Legal

Awesome Local talent inspired by VAPOR's fight

Please support these artists and VAPOR's legal challenge.

If you don't want tankers in the Fraser River then you must want tanker truck on our roads?

YVR is within 50km of two refineries that produce jet fuel. A short land based pipeline away from populated areas is possible and is far safer that tankers on the roads or in our rivers.

Proof that human error and equipment malfunctions are still very prevalent:

Mount Polley disaster:

MT.Polley1

Tailings dam inspections in B.C. dropped off suddenly in 2010, 2011

Mt. Polley2

Imperial Metals insurance likely not enough for dam collapse cleanup

The Mount Polley tailings disaster is evidence of a distrubing trend in the BC environmental inspections and enforcement. In 2011 the BC Auditor General criticizes B.C.'s Environmental Assessment Office slammed by A.G. and it appears the BC Liberial Government did not heed the warns.

!!The BC Government has approved the transportation of Jet Fuel in Fraser the River!!

The BC Liberal and Federal Conservative Party of Canada governments have approved the transportation of Jet Fuel in Fraser River Estuary. The VAPOR Society believe this is a grievous mistake environmentally, economically and from a public safety point of view. The VAPOR Society is taking legal action to point out the flaws in the BC environmental assessment process and ultimately to overturn this decision.

 

Vancouver Airport Fuel Facilities Corporation (VAFFC) / BC Environment Ministry propaganda on the approval can be found here.

Port Metro Vancouver (PMV) was the only Federal authority with approval power in this assessment and will also profit from its approval as the 80 million litre jet fuel tank farm for this development will be built of PMV land.  The very definition of a conflicted interest.

"...compensate for loss by aboriginal food, social and ceremonial fishers licensed under the Fisheries Act caused by a fuel spill."  There are many First Nations and non-First Nations that rely on the Fraser River Fishery.

The BC government 64 ‘conditions’ are essentially cut and pasted self-imposed conditions layout by the Vancouver Airport Fuel Facilities Corporation (VAFFC) noticeably a missing from the conditions was:

  • The requirement to keep the pipeline route away from residential areas and farm land
  • Minimal specific fire protection requirements, no mandate for automated fire suppression system for both the tank farm and marine terminal
    The BC EAO has not mandated an independent system safety risk analysis , so it is unclear if it is even possible for Richmond to Protect it's citizens.

The VAFFC is under no obligation to take Richmond's Fire concerns and has in fact reject the city's demand for Fire Hall and Fire boat.

The $500,000 per year paid to Richmond by VAFFC for firefighting will barely cover the cost of the three shifts required to create one 24/7 Fire Rescue personal position. One position to protect the potentially thousands in immediate area!?

The BC Auditor General has identified that BCEAO conditions have no enforceability or accountability, so wouldn't that make them merely suggestions?

The VAFFC/ BC government seem to be send a lot time tell everyone how many tanker trucks are on the road but the FACT is that according to legal document here the capacity of the existing pipeline is 1.9 Billion litres per year. YVR is currently consuming 1.4 Billon litres per year. The current pipeline operator we have quoted as saying that they can meet 100% of YVR current needs.By upgrading the fuel pumps on the existing pipeline there would be little or no need of any tanker truck on our roads.

  • The proponent has informed the BC Government/ BC Environmental Assessment (BCEAO) office that with a spill probably frequency of 6000 litres every 6 years and 120,000 litres every 32 years that it will be spilling jet fuel into the Fraser River.
  • Recent reports issued by the BC and Federal government as detail BC’s inadequate spill response capabilities.
    The proponent has informed the BC EAO that the marine terminal that will support Panamax tankers up to 350 meters in length will located 400 meters from large Residential and entertainment complex and has left protecting public up to the City of Richmond, yet has not mandated an independent system safety risk analysis to determine if that is even possible.
  • The proponent has warned the BC government of the risks which they have chosen to ignore, we in turn now hold them responsible when ridiculously irresponsible project has it’s predicted failures. So...

"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

What is at risk?

If a spill of jet fuel into the Fraser River occurs in addition to the possible impact on 80 fish species, wildlife and human habitation in and around the lower Fraser Estuary, there would likely be a major impact on the following locations (click the picture for larger image): Sturgeons Bank, George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary, Alaksen National Wildlife Area and Deas Island Park. Human impact would likely be seen at residential complex 400 meters away, Steveston and along banks of Fraser River. The impact of fire could be much worse.

NiceFraser

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are chances of a spill? A statistical certainty with a spill frequency probability of spills at 6,000 litres every 6 years and 120,000 litres every 32 years?
  • Can a spill be contained and cleaned up? Two months after the Lemon Ck. spill and jet fuel was still present in water samples. Two resent spill response reports concluded that BC's spill response would be poor. Booms may little effect due to flow and tidal influences of the river.
  • Will the proposed jet fuel marine terminal and 80 million litre tank farm be safe? That is a complex question. The proposed project is 400 meters from a residential complex and entertainment complex with potentially thousands people there at any giving time and no hazard risk assessment has been conducted for the proposed facility. Richmond Fire Rescue has identified inadequate fire protection in the area, with only two roads leaving the area.
  • Are there alternatives to provide fuel to YVR? Obviously it is important that YVR received the jet fuel required, however there are better way to transport the fuel that one's being proposed. The current pipeline to YVR is not being used efficiently, with minor upgrades to fuel pumps the pipeline ALONE could meet current demand and future demand for quite some time. Initially the VAFFC looked at 14 fuel delivery options, we believe that they chosen one of the worst of those solution. YVR is within 50km of two refineries that produce jet fuel both of which already have existing marine terminals.

 

Update: Lemon Creek Jet Fuel Spill!

VAPOR Society co-chair Biologist Otto Langer was invited to give the keynote speech to community in and around the Lemon Creek area on River's Day. Mr, Langer was able to detect the smell of jet fuel 80ft from river over two months since the spill. He also reported that he was able to find invertebrates upstream from the spill site, but was unable to find any downstream from it. Clearly jet fuel doesn't just evaporate and wash away. Stay turned for Otto's full report after he returns.

 

Our thoughts go out to the people, fish, wildlife and ecosystem in and around Lemon Creek. We wish them all a speedy recovery. The tragedy of the Lemon Creek has shown that jet fuel will have a significant impact on the waterways if they are contaminated with it and can persist longer than some would have you believe. VAFFC's own documents predict the probibility of a spill in the Fraser River estuary at almost four times (120,000 liters) the size of the Lemon Creek spill every 32 years and a 6000 litre spill every 6 years.

The above video has graphically shown the importance of protecting our waterways from jet fuel spills.

In response the Press release by BC MLA Vicki Huntington outlining her deep concerns for jet fuel transportation on the Fraser River estuary.

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

POLL

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:

  • BC Minister of environment - Hon. Mary Polak
  • Minister of Energy, Mines and Natural Gas Hon. Rich Colman
  • BC Premier - Hon. Christy Clark
  • Richmond East MLA - Hon. Linda Reid
  • Delta South MLA - Hon. Vicki Huntington
  • Federal Minister of the Environment - Hon. Leona Aglukkaq
  • Federal Minister of the DFO - Hon. Gail Shea
  •  

    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

    Marine Terminal Proximity

    Proximity of the Marine Terminal to Residential and Commerical Buildings

    Project Proposal

    Concept drawing of the Marine Terminal and Tank Farm. Small oil tanker shown.

    PanMax Tanker Footprint

    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.

    PanMax Tanker

    Possible type and size of Fuel tankers that could be on the Fraser River.

    Fuel Tanker spill

    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!

    Liquefaction Map

    Map of the Liquefaction hazard in Richmond, BC. To see a larger version Click Here.

    Pipeline Route

    Map of the Proposed Pipeline route. To see a larger version Click Here.

    What can you do?

     

    • 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 Simple Chinese Traditional Chinese

    • Have a vapor window sticker placed in your winodw.
      VAPOR car sign
      If interested please contact Barbara Huisman at 604-272-5163 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.

    Contact Us:

    Feel free to contact us at: vaporgroup1@gmail.com


    Please consider supporting the Dogwood Initiative

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    to stop the expansion of oil supertanker traffic through B.C.'s coastal waters.