WHEREAS British Columbias local governments are burdened with significant economic, cultural and environmental risk in the event of a large oil spill into their watersheds or the marine environment near their communities, and yet, British Columbias local governments were not actively consulted regarding Kinder Morgans historic or planned expansion of oil tanker traffic; AND WHEREAS sixty-one of British Columbias First Nations have signed the Save the Fraser declaration prohibiting Kinder Morgans oil pipeline and tanker traffic expansion through their lands, territories and watersheds, or ocean migration routes of Fraser River salmon: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM request that the National Energy Board, Port Metro Vancouver, and all appropriate federal Ministers ensure that any applications to expand the amount of oil transported by pipeline or tanker in British Columbia undergo: a. the highest degree of environmental assessment; and b. meaningful public consultation, including direct engagement with affected municipalities, regional authorities and British Columbia First Nations.
Natural Resources Canada When the National Energy Board receives applications to expand federally-regulated pipeline systems, the applications are subject to environmental assessment and regulatory review. In addition, regulatory review processes for major projects are open, and parties including municipalities, regional organizations and Aboriginal groups can submit evidence and express their views. For example, Enbridges Northern Gateway Pipelines project the Project, which proposes to increase the amount of oil transported by pipeline or tanker in British Columbia, has been referred by the Government of Canada for a panel review. The Project will be thoroughly reviewed by a three-member Joint Review Panel Panel to best protect the interests of all Canadians by satisfying the requirements of both the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act and the National Energy Board Act. The Panels broad environmental assessment mandate covers the review of the pipeline, the terminal, the docking facilities at Kitimat, and the marine transportation portion of the pipeline project, including mitigation measures to address potential incidents on land and in the water. Similarly, should Kinder Morgan decide to proceed with a plan to expand the Trans Mountain pipeline, they would file an application with the National Energy Board. You may be assured that an expansion of the Trans Mountain pipeline would be subject to environmental assessment and regulatory review, and as I noted above, the regulatory review process for major projects is open to interested parties to submit evidence and express views. Environment Canada Environment Canadas mandate includes the provision of advice for projects where a federal environmental assessment is required pursuant to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. At this time, the Department is not in receipt of a specific application by Kinder Morgan Canada to expand operation of its TransMountain Pipeline. The National Energy Board is the lead agency in Canada responsible for federally regulated pipeline proposals, and would be notified should Kinder Morgan Canada decide to pursue such an expansion. If a proposal to expand the existing pipeline capacity were to be received, it would likely be subject to environmental assessment requirements under the Act. Opportunities for public and Aboriginal consultation would be identified as part of any environmental assessment conducted under this act. Further information is available on the Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry at: www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca050index-eng.cfm Environment Canada would contribute expert advice to any environmental assessment required. In completing our review, we would consider the potential impacts of the proposal on air and water quality, wildlife, species at risk, and other matters related to the Departments mandate. Environment Canada has specific responsibilities to respond to marine environmental emergencies and provide related environmental advice and assistance to lead response agencies. My department has expertise in spill modelling and emergency response countermeasures that it makes available to these agencies.
Port Metro Vancouver Port Metro Vancouver shares UBCMs desire to ensure the safe and secure movement of all cargo and commodities through the port. This includes the management of potential risk associated with the transportation of liquid bulk, including crude oil, through the port. Any project undertaken within Port Metro Vancouvers jurisdiction undergoes an environmental and project review assessment at a level appropriate to the potential environmental risk or as defined by the applicable legislation. In fact, all projects within Port Metro Vancouver jurisdiction undergo some form of environmental review regardless of the presence of legislated triggers. The Vancouver Airport Facilities Corporations proposal to construct a jet fuel receiving terminal and pipeline to the airport is the only application that Port Metro Vancouver is currently reviewing for projects that would expand the amount of oil transported through the Port by pipeline tanker. This project is undergoing a harmonized federalprovincial review that includes comprehensive environmental assessment and consultation with First Nations and the public. It and other significant proposal for new or expanded oil transport through the port that Port Metro Vancouver may receive will also be required to go through the Ports Project Review Process, a process that is analogous to a municipal development review and that covers many issues not addressed by environmental legislation. If you are interested in learning more about Port Metro Vancouvers environmental and project review processes, please visit us at: http:portmetrovancouver.comenprojectsProjectReviewandPermits.aspx