NO to Jet Fuel transport in the Fraser River Estuary! YES to a pipeline to a refinery! Port Metro Vancouver's Tanker Traffic (Risk) study released! Port Metro Vancouver's Tanker Risk study (renamed Tanker Traffic study) has been released. VAPOR's Critique of the Fraser River Tanker Traffic Study prepared for Port Metro. VAPOR'S letter to Port Metro Vancouver's Mr.Yoss Leclerc Polls It's clear that the general public oppose fuel tankers in the Fraser River Estuary. !!Environment Canada's letters regarding VAFFC's project proposal!! "The Project would present a new and unacceptable risk to the locally, nationally and internationally important fish and wildlife populations of the Fraser River estuary." "The department does not share the same confidence as the proponent that the spill response plan would effectively and reliably protect the high ecological values and sensitivities of the estuary." "No amount of professional opinion can replace the existing and significant science gaps on the pathways and effects of Jet-A fuel on the receiving environment. On this basis, Environment Canada recommends that a rigorous, science-based program be developed to address the critical uncertainties." -Environment Canada Letter, August 17, 2011 To view the letter:Aug. 17, 2011 Environment Canada Letter "The Proponent has not offered credible, science-based evidence in support of their position." "Environment Canada agrees that using Panamax class tankers would result in fewer ships (though this could change with predicted increase demand over time); however, the consequences of a catastrophic spill would be much greater." "It is not clear to Environment Canada why the Proponent would choose to wait until after the environmental assessment to, 'complete a more sophisticated and robust quantitative assessment of pipeline risk during the detailed design stage, in accordance with industry standards and BC Oil and Gas Commission guidelines and protocols'?" -Environment Canada Letter, January 3, 2012 To view the letter:Jan. 3, 2012 Environment Canada Letter The EAO's comment period regarding Vancouver Airport Fuel Facilities Corporation (VAFFC) addendum to change the pipeline route in now closed. The comments can be viewed at Vancouver Airport Fuel Delivery Project Comments. Port Metro Vancouver's tanker risk study has been conveniently delayed until after this comment period has closed. Why is the public commenting on an incomplete proposal and analysis? Important Government contacts It is very important to send your comments and opinions to Local, Province and Federal representatives below are a few suggested e-mail contacts: • BC Minister of environment - Hon. Dr. Terry Lake • BC Premier - Hon. Christy Clark • Richmond East MLA - Hon. Linda Reid • Delta MLA - Hon. Vicki Huntington • Federal Minister of the Environment - Hon. Peter Kent • Federal Minister of the DFO - Hon. Keith Ashfield VAPOR Rally (at the VAFFC Open House) on Jan 28th 2012 The VAPOR and supporter rally was a huge success with well over 100 people coming out in the cold dismal weather to take turns waving the " No Jet Fuel in the Fraser" signs, singing the new VAPOR song, signing petitions, taking VAPOR stickers and even making donations . The Media was out in full force with CTV, CBC, Global TV and CITYTV all sending out their camera crews. The newspapers where also present and an article appeared already in "The Province " newspaper with many more to follow in the coming days. The politicians came out to support VAPOR and oppose the Jet Fuel Tankers in the Fraser, the Terminal and Tank Farm. Richmond Mayor Brodie stood with the protesters, did a number of interviews and stated once again the City of Richmond's opposition to the VAFFC proposal. MLA Linda Reid came out and agreed to sign a declaration to save the Fraser River from the risk of jet fuel. City Councilors Derek Dang, Chak Au, Harold Steves, Linda McPhail and Ken Johnston also came to show their support for VAPOR and to oppose the VAFFC and their proposal to allow any jet fuel tankers, a new marine terminal and tank farm in and along the river. Thanks to everyone who took the time to come. Inside the East Richmond Community Hall the army of VAFFC staff tried to sell the idea that relocating the planned JET FUEL pipeline to the Highway 99 alignment somehow made the overall proposal palatable. VAPOR supporters came out of the " brain washing and green washing charade " disgusted with the process and the still environmentally irresponsible project what has remained relatively unchanged. Attendee's where handed a Feedback form and asked to choose their "Preferred ROUTE " for the pipeline through Richmond and their " Preferred Option " for routing a trail around the Jet Fuel Marine terminal. This was a rigged process and the public should not fall for this forced and totallly unacceptable choices. The only choice is No jet fuel tankers in the Fraser River! I talked to so many people who were disappointed that their feeling about the actual project where irrelevant and not welcome. But it is not over. You can make a difference. Please write your MLA's John Yap and Rob Howard and ask them to join the Honorable Linda Reid in her opposition of the Jet Fuel Marine Terminal and Tank farm. Please write MP Alice Wong and MP Terry Lynne Findlay and ask them to speak for the people of Richmond and ask for a federal public panel CEAA environmental review by Environment Canada. - Carol Day, VAPOR Chair The Vancouver Airport Fuel Facilities Corporation (VAFFC) plans to have oil tankers travelling 15 kilometres east up the south arm of the Fraser River to unload and store up to 80 million litres of jet fuel on banks of the Fraser River in seismicly sensitive ground that will straddle large parts of Richmond with unreasonable risk and responsibility to our environment, health and prosperity. We are not opposed to responsible fuel delivery to the airport, but this plan is unacceptable!! We are demanding that VAFFC look at better options to meet their need. So this website was created to increase awareness of this issue and to encourage people to get involved and have their voices heard! Proximity of the Marine Terminal to Conecept drawing of the Marine Terminal and Residential and Commerical Buildings Tank Farm. Small oil tanker shown. The ACTUAL size (footprint) of 300 meter Possible type and size of Fuel tankers that could x 50 meter PanMax oil Tanker. be on the Fraser River. Potential Risk! Spills on the Fraser: VAFFC's plan would have Oil tankers similar in size to one depicted below travelling 15 kilometers up Fraser River. Navigating around other commercial and recreational traffic and debris. Mooring and unloading on a busy river way is fool-hardy. Any spill that does occur will spread quickly due to the flow of the river. Posing significant risk to environment and those use and live near the river. Fuel spill on the Mississippi River. Why risk the Fraser River to a similar fate?. Accidents, Acts of Nature and unforseen events happen, best option must be chosen and this is not it! Map of the Liquefaction hazard in Richmond, BC. Map of the Proposed Pipeline route. What can you do? • Sign our online petition: VAPOR Petition • Print out our convenient comment form, write down your concerns and send it to the BC Environmential Assessment Office. VAPOR Comment Form • Have a vapor window sticker placed in your winodw. If interested please contact Carol Day at 604-240-1986 a suggested donation of $20 would be greatly appreciated. • Become a VAPOR member! VAPOR Membership Form • Check this page often for updates. • Contact your local MLA, city council, Minister of Water, Land & Air protection and BC Premier and tell them how you feel about this project and what options your prefer. Contact Us: Feel free to contact us at: [email protected] Please consider supporting the Dogwood Initiative to stop the expansion of oil supertanker traffic through B.C.'s coastal waters. .