“Bringing energy independence and jobs to Vancouver” is a statement we’ve heard Tesoro/Savage tout for months.
Listening to the Vancouver Energy Adjudication Hearing’s July 28 morning session on CVTV, I heard Tesoro/Savage’s senior project manager questioned about the need to import skilled labor to build the oil distribution terminal. He basically answered that the labor force would be sourced locally. He then proudly gave an example that the storage tanks were being made by a local company, T Bailey, in Anacortes. When it comes to the proposed largest crude oil handling facility in the nation, local to me means Southwest Washington and the greater Portland area.
Spokane, the Tri-Cities and the smaller towns along the Columbia River should be included, as well, as they’re located in the blast zone along the rail line. They’ll be left to deal with the devastating aftermath should a spill or fire break out from a rail car. The good people of T Bailey will be safe in Anacortes, 245 miles north of Vancouver. The health and safety risks of the proposed oil terminal are too great of a burden for our local communities to bear.
It now lies with the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council and its recommendation to Gov. Jay Inslee for the final decision. I hope they keep us in mind.
