Can anyone find a better reason to say “no” to the proposed oil terminal for the Port of Vancouver than the health and well being of our citizens? The dangers from the transport and storage of oil are real.
What happens when an oil train derails? Ask the citizens of Mosier, Ore. On June 3, 2016, 42,000 gallons of crude oil were spilled, resulting in evacuation of nearby homes and a school due to fire and smoke. Thankfully, no one was hurt. A projected 360,000 barrels of crude oil per day by rail will be rolling through the Columbia River Gorge and Vancouver if the terminal is built.
The unloading, storage, and transfer of crude oil to oil tankers at the terminal will release hundreds of tons of volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, into the air. These compounds, which include benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene, are associated with cancers, blood disorders and damage to the nervous system. Our families and friends will be exposed to these toxicities.
There are better ways to develop the Port of Vancouver. Let us say “no” to Vancouver Energy’s oil terminal.
