FortisBC is putting residents in Squamish and Coquitlam at risk
December 18, 2020
Tracey Saxby
An independent hazard assessment of a worst-case scenario accident (X) shows that residents will suffer potentially lethal radiative effects (up to 330 metres), second degree burns (up to 460 metres), and pain (up to 715 metres). Photos show the Finch Drive (left) and Ravens Plateau (right) in Squamish.
FortisBC has applied for an amendment to its environmental assessment certificate for its 24-inch, high-pressure pipeline from Coquitlam to the Woodfibre site. The amended route for this pipeline puts Squamish and Coquitlam residents at risk and must be changed!
We have until December 23rd to submit our comments on FortisBC's pipeline. This is one of the best opportunities we will have to hold FortisBC accountable and move this pipeline.
To help you get started, we've put together a list of key concerns here.
Your input is critical! It can be as simple as stating your concerns and WHY you are opposed to the project, however, specific comments or questions related to FortisBC's amendment application have more weight.
Let FortisBC know that nothing is worth more than the safety and well being of our communities.
Deadline midnight 23rd December, 2020
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What has changed with the amendment?
The good:
FortisBC is proposing to move the compressor station from Mt Mulligan (near the Valleycliffe neighbourhood in Squamish) to the Woodfibre site. This is a good thing, and is the result of five years of public pressure to relocate the compressor station.
The bad:
- FortisBC is recklessly putting Squamish and Coquitlam residents that live along the pipeline route at risk in the event of a worst-case scenario accident.
- Acid rock drainage and metal leaching from the 9 km tunnel under the Squamish estuary. This is the same issue that has poisoned the lands and waters around Britannia Beach for decades, and FortisBC is proposing a treatment facility that will discharge directly into the Squamish River.
- Woodfibre LNG + FortisBC = sixteenth biggest source of greenhouse gas pollution in BC.
- Increased local air pollution and associated human health impacts, particularly for children and the elderly.
- Noise impacts from blasting and drilling 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for over two years near Dentville, Squamish Business Park, the Northyards, and Yekw'apsem reserve.
- FortisBC has no current plan to house 600+ fly-in fly-out workers during peak construction.
- Increased risk of COVID-19 transmission from 600+ fly-in fly-out workers.
- Workcamps are linked to increased violence, sexual assault, and drug and alcohol abuse.
Take action now
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Love where you live. Defend what you love.
A lot of our work happens behind the scenes, where we are working hard to hold Woodfibre LNG and FortisBC accountable on your behalf.
But we are critically underfunded, and we simply cannot compete with teams of lobbyists and PR experts without your support.
What we do have is people-power, and My Sea to Sky consistently punches above our weight. We are strategic and highly effective. To date we have delayed Woodfibre LNG for six years (and counting!).
Our goal for December is to sign up 100 new monthly supporters to ensure that My Sea to Sky can continue its critical campaigns to defend, protect, and restore Howe Sound in 2021.
As a small organization, your monthly gift has a big impact.
With gratitude and determination,
Tracey Saxby
Executive Director, My Sea to Sky
My Sea to Sky is incredibly proud and grateful to say that we rely on the My Sea to Sky community for small donations that provide the majority of our funding. Since our launch in 2014, we have been funded through personal savings, family and friends; and powered by the passion of our volunteers. Your generous contribution will help us to run our critical campaigns to defend, protect, and restore Howe Sound. Can you chip in?