We learned recently of new plans for an LNG terminal on the Fraser River in Delta. This terminal would be bigger than the Woodfibre proposal near Squamish, and yet it has received hardly any attention. If approved,120 LNG tankers and 90 barges would travel up and down the Fraser each year, within sight of riverfront neighbourhoods and parks. The company involved, WesPac Terminals, has already received an NEB export license and now seeks environmental approvals.
This is a significant proposal which needs cautious, careful review. Unfortunately, we only have until June 11to convince the Federal Environment Minister Aglukkaq to conduct any assessment of this proposal at all.
Click here to send to a message to the Environment Minister asking her to assess this project. The link will send you to our commenting website. It summarizes key concerns about the project so you can quickly send off an informed comment.
As frustrating as this situation is already, it gets worse. BC has written to Ottawa asking that the province be allowed to take over the assessment process. Given BC’s unabashed boosterism when it comes to LNG exports, that’s a scary proposition. Handing this over to BC would be like putting the foxes in charge of the hen-house.
Minister Aglukkaq will base her decision on these two issues in part on the volume and tenor of comments she receives. Please send a message to Minister Aglukkaq asking her to 1) conduct a federal environmental assessment of the project and 2) deny BC’s substitution request.
It’s up to us. Your comment will make a difference. Click here to send the Minister a message today.
PS — if you haven’t seen it already, check out this great article from the Province Newspaper. It features a brief video about the risks from this project and good comments from MP Fin Donnelly and Mayor Malcolm Brodie of Richmond. We’re not alone in this fight.