Jet fuel pipeline plan reaches critical stage

Jennifer Dessouki of the B.C. Environmental Assessment Office tells Don Pitcairn to move his oil drum.

Christine Lyon photo

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A proposal to build a 15-kilometre jet fuel pipeline across Richmond has reached a critical stage.
B.C.'s Environmental Assessment Office has formally accepted an application from the Vancouver Airport Fuel Facilities Corporation and could grant the airlines consortium approval it needs within eight months.
Proposed is a pipeline connecting the airport with a new fuel receiving facility in the South Arm near Riverport.
The Environmental Assessment Office will host an open house on Monday, March 7 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Executive Airport Plaza Hotel, 7311 Westminster Hwy. The office will offer a presentation at 5:15 p.m., followed by a presentation by the proponent.
A similar open house was held a year ago during the project's pre-application phase. That drew residents concerned about everything from the environment to their own health.
Scott Carswell, one of 300 residents in a condo complex 400 metres from the proposed unloading site, told the Review at the time he had "significant concerns about vapour release" and the potential of spills.
"I'm worried that not only will my property value drop because of the industrial activity in the area but that crime will increase as well," he said.
Project proponents say the new pipeline is needed to satisfy the airport's increasing thirst for jet fuel—currently supplied by a pipeline that travels from the Chevron refinery in North Burnaby through North Richmond. As many as 25 trucks per day deliver the rest of the fuel to the airport from Washington State.
Richmond council has formally rejected the project, and has urged the proponent to consider other options. But council approval isn't required for the project.
For those who can't attend the March 7 open house, the Environmental Assessment Office is also accepting written submissions from Feb. 25 to April 11 at eao.gov.bc.ca or by fax at 250-356-6448. Submissions are also being accepted by mail: c/o Jennifer Dessouki, PO Box 9426 Stn. Prov Govt, Victoria BC, V8W 9V1.
Copies of the application can be viewed on the website or by visiting the Brighouse branch of the Richmond Public Library.