Let’s build a pipeline here

Debates continue on how to deal with diluted bitumen for export. A simple solution stares us in the face.

Dear Sir:

Our government, while committed to the Paris Climate Accord, appears to  have decided that some bitumen will be exported. The market waits.

The Harper government   mishandled the two west coast pipeline proposals (Kinder Morgan and Enbridge).

The new federal government is also having great difficulty in convincing us that they know how to  fix these   publicly disliked, coastal, diluted bitumen (dilbit) pipelines schemes.

The  newly created  ‘modernized’ NEB panels are   holding   local community meetings.

Hopefully  these panels will listen carefully, and develop  a publicly acceptable pipeline dilbit export plan.

A simple solution stares us in the face.

One pipeline system could handle the total proposed dilbit flow from Alberta to an open ocean export terminal location, somewhere north of Prince Rupert, thus  adding no dilbit-laden tankers to  Douglas Channel, Burrard Inlet and the international Salish Sea.

The feared threat of that inevitable  dilbit spill in these  waters is much reduced, allowing the  environmentally-based, major industry to continue bringing in those multi-billions in business and tax revenue.

Carl Shalansky,

North Vancouver, B.C.

Terrace Standard