I read Lou Brancaccio’s May 10 column, “Oil should not define who we are.” Like Brancaccio, I agree that self-determination for any community is the right approach. Brancaccio cites the rise in oil train explosions. “Just don’t look too hard at all those news stories showing oil trains blowing up.” OK.
I did look hard and did the research on “exploding trains” in recent months. And while it is true that they are on the rise in the country as a whole, none would apply to the safety requirements that are planned for this terminal. Brancaccio didn’t mention the independent safety study that was done by TUV Rheinland Rail Science Inc. to make sure that safety is a first priority for this project. The study concluded that derailment, a major cause of exploding trains, was a “very low risk” for the Port of Vancouver.
I’m not convinced it’s a good idea yet and I have concerns, mostly about keeping the area clean, but I imagine a bustling economy, a steady revenue stream for this great city and folks employed, and hey, maybe a safe and clean port, too.
Keith Bloss
Vancouver
