To the Minister Responsible: Vulnerable Oil Barges Traversing BC's Inside Passage

Vulnerable Oil Barges Traversing BC's Inside Passage

by Ingmar Lee - 10,000 Ton Tanker

"Dear Minister Marc Garneau, currently, giant American tugs towing tanker-barges with 10,000 deadweight ton capacity are using the "protected" waters of the BC Inside Passage to deliver petroleum products from Washington State refineries to Alaska's coastal communities.

On average, there is one shipment every 10 days, with no stops in Canada.

UPDATE: (Friday November 6, 2015 9:00am PST) "Two more Texas-based Kirby Corp tugs used for trafficking petroleum products are currently southbound, about to enter the "protected" waters of the BC Inside Passage. The giant ATB, "Bismarck Sea" and the "Kestrel" are just south of Prince Rupert. As of just one year ago, the Kestrel's petro-barge was "OM 230" which is a single-hulled tanker. Not sure if it has been retired yet...Please watch out for these vessels which pose such an extreme threat to this coast, and get pictures if possible!"

Minister, this traffic pays no fees, no tariffs, employs no Canadian, and offers no benefit whatsoever to the people of Canada.

And it presents an unimaginable risk to this magnificent coast.

Please use you new powers to make this dangerous petroleum traffic run offshore, just like all the other tankers are required to do!

Sincerely,
Ingmar Lee,
Bella Bella, BC.

 You can learn more by checking out my "10,000 Ton Tanker" Facebook page."