Belcarra Mayor Ralph Drew is one of the voices raising questions about Kinder Morgan's plan to increase the capacity of its oil tanker loading facility on Burrard Inlet so 34 tankers a month could be loaded compared to the current five.
Although his village is across the water from the Westridge Marine Terminal, he is concerned about the impact a potential oil spill, no matter how small, would have on what is a vibrant marine ecology.
He wants to impress on the international company that new species of snails discovered in the inlet, and the return of squid, are deserving of protection. What's more, he wants the company to take a special interest in the area and not only guarantee that the best available technology will be used to clean up any spilled oil but that legacy projects will be established to enhance the environment further.
Is this too much to ask Kinder Morgan as it prepares to ask the National Energy Board for approval to expand its facilities? No, and by asking the questions now, let's hope Drew gets them answered.
