A MFL or Maximum Foreseeable Loss at a proposed transfer terminal for crude oil or a catastrophe via a mishap from a “high-hazard flammable train” could exceed $5 billion to $6 billion. Tesoro-Savage can obtain no more than $1 billion in commercial insurance coverage, if that. Do the math: a claim of $5 bill to $6 billion arrives along with a catastrophe and Clark County and the city of Vancouver are left with a bill for $4 billion to $5 billion.
The Port of Vancouver wants to create good-paying jobs and this project would accomplish that (although not many more than 100). Unfortunately, this oil terminal project would present health and safety risks too high for our community to justify the economic gains. Fortunately, Don Orange, a local small-business owner and committed citizen, is running for a soon-to-be vacated Port of Vancouver commission seat. With his election and Gov. Jay Inslee’s denial of Tesoro’s pending application of this ill-advised oil terminal project, we will have hope for the future and renewed trust for our elected officials.
