As reported in The Columbian (“Report: 5 key oil terminal impacts,” Nov. 22), the EFSEC report lists five problems that cannot be properly mitigated. However, that EFSEC report leaves out one very serious effect that is not mitigated. There is no mention of the odor and air pollution that Clark County residents would have to put up with. Even if Vancouver Energy were to use “the best practices” in order to reduce those odors and dangerous emissions, we would still be breathing the toxic air. Reduction of those emissions does not mean elimination of them.
The EFSEC document also states, “Although crude oil spills, fires or explosions may be considered unlikely under the risk analysis, the resulting environmental impacts in this chapter could be severe if they occur.” Based on the histories of the two principles, Tesoro and Savage, the likelihood of spills and explosions are absolutely not “unlikely,” but rather are certain. It is just a matter of when, not if.
