In the Northwest alone, new and expanded terminals could increase the amount of oil-handling capacity from 376,000 to over 1 million barrels per day. This could lead to a major blow to Vancouver’s economy and overall quality of life. With these large amounts of oil transit, this can lead to the most dangerous harmful consequence, an oil spill. This issue needs to be recognized by the community and needs to be addressed.
Overall, oil terminals make for a bad neighborhood. The terminals can result in extreme air and water pollution, safety risks, odor and noise. Workers and residents around the area could be exposed to hazardous byproducts of oil.
On Feb. 1, the Vancouver City Council passed the renewal of a moratorium on crude oil terminals but this does not mean we now have no responsibility in decreasing the risks. Community members can attend community forums relating to this topic. Residents can also write a letter to the Washington state Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council to emphasize the dangers oil terminals could cause. No matter how little or how much you involve yourself in this issue, it will all make a noticeable difference to the community of Vancouver.
