Tsleil-Waututh Nation opposed to expansion of crude oil facility

Chief Justin George of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation has announced his government’s opposition to the expansion of the Kinder Morgan crude oil handling facility proposed for Burrard Inlet. The opposition is based on the assessment of the future risks associated with the project. “Today we are going public regarding current impacts and risks associated with Chevron Canada’s activities and their track record as citizens of the Inlet.”

Chevron’s refinery on Burrard Inlet has been leaking oil from an unknown source on their property for some considerable time, George said. Tsleil-Waututh became aware of the leak in the spring of 2010 as a result of its potential to threaten a known and significant archaeological and cultural heritage site known as the Berry Point site. Despite repeated efforts on Tsleil-Waututh’s part to ensure appropriate protection and mitigation, to our knowledge the oil leak has not been stopped. “Now Chevron has commenced dredging the bed of Burrard Inlet near their tanker moorage facilities,” said Chief George. “Tsleil-Waututh insisted that dredged materials be tested for hydrocarbon and other contaminants. As a result of that testing, contaminants have been found that greatly exceed acceptable limits for disposal at sea. These results were found after some dredged material has already been disposed of at the Point Grey ocean disposal site.” Over the past year, Tsleil-Waututh has attempted to address these problems by engaging with Chevron, Port Metro Vancouver, Environment Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the BC Cultural Heritage Branch without material effect, he said. The oil leak continues and Chevron and the Port threaten to continue with the marine dredging. “I think it’s fair to ask the question “who speaks for the Burrard Inlet?” said Chief George. “We take our responsibility for stewardship seriously, but Tsleil-Waututh cannot do it alone. We need the citizens of Metro Vancouver and their local government representatives to get angry and take action over what we can only conclude is irresponsible corporate citizenship and ineffectual government regulation.” Chief George concluded: “If you want a glimpse of the future, look at what’s happening at present and in our immediate past.”