Pipeline problems need more focus

The debate over the Trans Mountain pipeline ignores these important environmental and economic concerns:

The pipeline will be carrying dilbit (a diluted form of bitumen). One federal study concludes that, unlike other crude oils, dilbit will sink in the presence of suspended particulate matter (e.g. dirt particles in the ocean). Suspended particulate matter is very common in B.C.’s coastal waters, meaning that any spill will likely lead to submerged oil. Currently, we have no ability to clean up oil that sinks below the surface, making dilbit a particularly risky substance to transport.

There is no market for bitumen. And most of the economic benefit, if any, will be in Alberta. This flies the face of the Trudeau government declaring it a national issue.

Tanker traffic will greatly increase, thus increasing the impact of that traffic and the potential for disaster.

The federal government quickly approved this pipeline without doing all its due diligence, including taking the time to include all stakeholders (such as Indigenous groups).

It is clear to me this was a political move to make the Liberals look like they were progressive in making trade deals. Why did they ignore the environmental concerns of the people of British Columbia?

Donna Panke, Ottawa