The application for Kinder Morgan’s (NYSE:KMI) proposed expansion of the Trans Mountain pipeline is filled with “significant gaps” when it comes to the risks the project poses to Vancouver, according to a report from city staff.
The report, which deputy city manager Sadhu Johnston presented before council May 13, zeroed in on Vancouver’s reputation as a green city in the event of a spill as well as the impacts of increased tanker traffic in Burrard Inlet.
Kinder Morgan plans to spend $5.4 billion to twin the pipeline — which runs from northern Alberta to the Westridge Terminals in Burnaby — and boost its capacity from 300,000 to 890,000 barrels per day.
Meanwhile, tanker traffic is expected to go up sevenfold in Burrard Inlet if the pipeline expansion gets the greenlight.
The report criticized Kinder Morgan’s application the worst-case scenario of a spill assumed an accident would take place in calm, warm water during daylight hours and that all responders would be available.
The report took aim at Kinder Morgan’s application for containing “significant gaps” despite the fact it’s 15,000 pages long.
City staff also criticized the fact intervenors had just six weeks from confirmation to review 15,000 pages of material.
While the City of Vancouver wanted to delay the process until the gaps were filled, the National Energy Board determined the application was complete.
