(Vancouver, BC) The BC Métis Federation continues to provide updated information about the proposed Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipelines Project and the potential impacts to Métis people throughout BC. One of the most significant concerns is the ability of Enbridge to operate the pipeline safely. This concern has been increased in light of recent Enbridge pipeline spills.
Last month an Enbridge operated line had a significant spill in Alberta. Shortly thereafter a report was released about the mishandling of the major Enbridge spill in Michigan in 2010. Yesterday several media outlets reported the latest spill on yet another Enbridge line operated through Wisconsin. It has been reported that 1200 barrels of oil product was spilled but the details are yet to be finalized as another investigation has just begun.
BC Métis Federation President Keith Henry stated, “This new Enbridge spill further justifies the significant concerns Métis people throughout BC and Canada have about the proposed Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipelines Project. As we know this Northern Gateway project would bring significant tar sands oil product through rugged and very environmentally sensitive areas in BC. Any spill would have a major impact to people and their lives, including the Métis.”
President Henry added, “Enbridge has already begun to spin their message yesterday and today in the media that they have proven their safety record because in this situation the Enbridge response time was about 5 minutes. However this matter is under investigation and the independent investigation will provide the real answers to how this latest Enbridge spill occurred. Moreover the fact is that the concerns related to the proposed Enbridge Northern Gateway are that any spill would be unacceptable. The impacts of 1200 barrels to pristine rivers in Northern BC could eliminate fish stocks and do so much long term damage.”
BC Métis Federation President Henry concluded, “It is unfortunate we see the Provincial Government raise their only concerned about an increased equity share because of potential spills. However, the Provincial Government has yet to define how any increase equity would protect the interests of Aboriginal people. The latest spill provides more evidence about why the proposed Northern Gateway should never be allowed to be approved.”
Media Inquiries:
Keith Henry
President
BC Métis Federation
#300-3665 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC V5R 5W2
Office 1-604-638-7220
Cell 1-778-388-5013
Email k.henry@bcmetis.com
You can now follow BC Métis Federation President Keith Henry on twitter @keithhenryMetis
Downloads:
[ilink url=”/wp-content/uploads/BCMF-Press-Release-July-29th-2012-MNBC-Enbridge-Spill-Wisconsin.pdf” style=”download”]Click here to download this press release in PDF format.[/ilink]
[ilink url=”/wp-content/uploads/Enbridge-Spill-July-28th-CBC-Report.pdf” style=”download”]Click here to read the CBC News report regarding the July 28 Enbridge Spill.[/ilink]
