Vancouver, December 7, 2012 – The accident today at Westshore Terminals coal port reinforces the need for Port Metro Vancouver to delay decisions on coal export expansion and open coal export proposals to a full public review.
Currently, Port Metro Vancouver can make these decisions with little to no public input. So far, the Port Authority has resisted calls from climate scientists, environmental organizations, municipal governments and concerned citizens to delay decisions and broadly consult the public. This is unreasonable, and unfair.
Today's accident appears to have released a substantial plume of coal dust into the ocean, which can be seen drifting north towards Roberts Bank…The mud flats at Roberts Bank are an internationally significant area of migratory bird habitat. Coal dust is a toxic substance containing heavy metals such as lead, arsenic and mercury.
Questions that need to be answered about this accident:
What is Port Metro Vancouver's contingency plan for containing coal dust plumes on the water? The photos reviewed by Voters Taking Action on Climate Change do not appear to show any containment equipment at all.
What impacts will migratory birds and other species using the mudflats at Roberts Bank be exposed to as a result of this release of coal dust?
What will be the impacts on marine species?
Plans to increase coal exports will increase the risk of future accidents. If the Port Authority truly wishes to live up to its claim to be a good neighbour and to operate "with broad support in the best interests of Canadians" it should agree to a full public review of coal export proposals currently under consideration.
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Kevin Washbrook
Director
Voters Taking Action on Climate Change
778.848.8278
website: http://vtacc.org/
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