Here is what I sent to my representatives:
David McGuinty, MP, Ottawa South - Liberal
John Fraser, MPP, Ottawa South - Liberal
Maria McRae, Councillor for River Ward, Chair of Environment Committee
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Please read on for some remarks that I recently shared with my councillor in River Ward, Maria McRae, regarding the proposed Energy East pipeline conversion project. Please make a responsible response to this project a key part of your discussions within your caucus.
I understand that the Energy East pipeline proposal has been the subject of recent City Hall lobbying by both TransCanada and Enbridge. I would encourage you to make a very thorough study of the Energy East project and to understand its implications for Ottawans.
As you will already know, the Energy East project involves the conversion of a pipeline that is approximately 50 years old to carry tar sands synthetic crude oil instead of natural gas.
The Ottawa Citizen reports that Enbridge has already indicated that Energy East will result in a shortfall of natural gas supply in Eastern Ontario. According to Enbridge, this will result in higher prices to Ottawans for home heating. I am eager for there to be a meaningful discussion in our city that includes these costs to our residents and to the city, as well as the risk to wildlife, property, heritage and our tourist industry.
I recently visited Baxter Conservation Area and took a short tour by canoe of the area about 200 m downstream where the existing natural gas pipeline crosses the Rideau River. This area includes the conservation area, many homes, an airstrip for gliders, fishing and boating, and wildlife such as the Great Blue Heron. Again, I will send photos separately. I would encourage you to take a drive to the area yourself now that we are enjoying such fair autumn weather.
The federal Transportation Safety Board provides incident reports online that describe pipeline breech events in many parts of the country going back several years. According to these reports, major natural gas leaks often had residents raise the alarms due to smoke and/or flame. Following the initial call, it typically takes 30 to 45 minutes for an initial response by the pipeline company to occur in non-remote areas.
I have particular concerns about a toxic spill of dilbit in or near the Rideau River. Since synthetic crude oil is less flammable than methane, we cannot expect to rely on smoke or flame to alert area residents to a spill. Recent spills in the USA illustrate that such a spill is a very real possibility with lengthy and costly clean ups that involve serious health-related & financial impacts.
I would also like to understand how much of any clean up costs would fall on area tax payers. Would the City, NCC, Parks Canada, or other agencies be expected to implement new equipment or procedures to protect the river and canal? How will we secure the "triple crown" status of the Rideau River and Rideau Canal, which is a National Historic Site of Canada, Canadian Heritage River, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
In addition, there is, of course, the larger issue of climate change. Given the recent publication of the latest IPCC assessment, the need for urgent action to combat climate change caused by burning fossil fuels demands a real shift in priorities by politicians representing all levels of government. In response to the persistent climate crisis, it is quite possible that tar sands crude in particular may be subject to bans or restrictions in many export markets in the next few years. If so, risking the health of the Rideau and the viability of our local tourism & recreation industries seems like a very dubious proposition.
Again, this is a ballot box issue for me. It is related to leaving a healthy legacy to my kids and to the community as a whole. Ottawa has a very highly educated population with many politically engaged people well versed in these complex issues. I can confidently assert that I am not alone in my views.
Please let me know how you intend to act with regard to Energy East.
Many thanks,
James
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