Delta should send a clear message that enough is enough when it comes to port expansion at Roberts Bank, says Against Port Expansion's Roger Emsley.
Asked for his take on Mayor Lois Jackson and CAO George Harvie being part of a fact-finding delegation this month to Norway to learn about the liquid bulk shipping industry, as well as find out the potential implications for future petroleum export activities in Delta, Emsley is pleased to see them take part.
He said he hopes the Delta duo uses the opportunity to send Port Metro Vancouver the message that Delta isn't going to accept any further industrial development in the sensitive and important ecosystem.
"The rumours that have been circulating for a while that Roberts Bank could become an oil export terminal are a real concern to many people that I speak to. Setting aside the limitations of current rail infrastructure serving Deltaport - a single track - moving oil by rail is even more risky than a pipeline. Both CN and CP have experienced accidents and spills," he said.
"As for the actual terminal, the issue is the same as for a second container terminal - adding a man-made island almost half the size of Stanley Park and expanding the port causeway will cause irreparable damage to the Roberts Bank ecosystem.
Roberts Bank, as is well documented, is unique on the West Coast in terms of its environmental values. Further development - be it a container terminal or an oil terminal - has the possibility to destroy critical feeding grounds for migratory birds, break the chain of the Pacific Flyway, as well as further damage critical feeding areas for migratory salmon," Emsley said.
Both CN and CP are planning to vastly increase delivery of oil by rail.
Meantime, Port Metro Vancouver is planning to establish a "Centre of Excellence for Marine Transportation of Oil and LNG Commodities in British Columbia." The port says early engagement indicates the energy industry, federal government and Alberta will be funding partners.
However, a Port Metro Vancouver official recently told the Optimist that a crude oil or liquefied natural gas offloading facility at Roberts Bank is currently not on the port's radar.
A recent report to Delta council notes that in 2011, 6.7 million tonnes of petroleum products passed through Port Metro Vancouver, and crude production in Canada is expected to nearly double by 2025, resulting in export levels three or more times greater than current volumes.
It's expected that, by 2025, there could be 17 million tonnes of petroleum products passing through Port Metro Vancouver, necessitating significant increases in handling capacity.
Emsley, who recently asked port officials tough questions about the Fraser Surrey Docks coal handling proposal, said what he finds most troubling is the arrogance of the port authority when it comes to its plans.
"I attended their AGM last week. It was all puff and PR. The more they talk about sustainability, the less they actually practice it," he said.
Noting his questions on issues and problems with port truck traffic went unanswered, Emsley added, "We are at the tipping point and I can assure you that environmental groups - ours included - are ready to do battle."
The last time there was talk of a petroleum facility coming to South Delta was 1974 when the B.C.
Research Council carried out studies for the B.C.
Petroleum Corporation.
