Dear Editor:
The Tsleil-Waututh Nation and Burnaby and City of Vancouver mayors are right to be concerned over the Kinder-Morgan pipeline project. There will be a significant increase of risk for a devastating oil spill in Burrard Inlet, but the increased tanker traffic will also produce daily effects on residents:
- The multiple tankers lined up for loading will be parked off Ambleside or near Cates Park. Tankers create noise and air pollution that will be felt by residents.
- Our beaches will be affected by increased litter, sewage and bilge water from the 300 plus tankers.
- Current tanker traffic passing by Maplewood Flats Conservation Area already disturbs foraging birds.
- The twice-daily wake from oil tankers and the three-tugboat escort will degrade the function of the sanctuary for migrating birds.
- Dredging the shallows off Maplewood Flats will reduce wildlife habitat.
- Recreational boat traffic will be blocked twice a day at Lions Gate and Second Narrows Bridges to allow for tanker passage.
Residents of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, the Squamish Nation and the three North Shore municipalities will feel only adverse effects from the pipeline and raw bitumen export project.
Chloe Hartley, North Vancouver
