Friends of Wild Salmon Resources
Pipelines and Promises
(December 2012)
A summary of missing Enbridge evidence before the JRP hearings
During the JRP hearings, registered First Nations, labour and environmental groups, political representatives, community based groups and individuals have been able to cross-examine Enbridge
on its application and evidence to date. What has been obvious since September is that Enbridge has a frightening number of gaps in its information that won’t be prepared until after approval
is granted. Below is a summary by Forest Ethics which identifies some—but not all—of the gaps that have been revealed over the course of the JRP hearings in Edmonton and Prince George.
Potential economic impact of a tanker spill on ocean-based industries in British Columbia
(December 2012)
This study conducted by the UBC Fisheries Centres and funded by the World Wildlife Foundation looks at the potential losses to commercial fisheries, tourism, aquaculture and port activities in the area in the event of a tanker accident. The study highlights that if a tanker spill occurs, the economic gains from the Enbridge Northern Gateway project to the North Coast region would be wiped out by the costs of the spill.
Robyn Allan’s Economic Analysis of Enbridge Northern Gateway
(October 2012)
This is a recording of Robyn Allan's presentation on the economics of Enbridge Northern Gateway that she gave in Prince George. Robyn Allan, a former ICBC CEO and former senior economist of the B.C. Central Credit Union outlines that Enbridge's proposal fails to identify the impact of building pipelines on the Canadian dollar and overstates the growth of royalties to government treasuries. She concludes that the Northern Gateway project "poses a threat" to Canada's "economic growth and long term development".
Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipelines: A Dead-End Investment
(October 2012)
This updated investor briefing by Forest Ethics highlights First Nations legal risks, political risks from British Columbia, and reputational risks to the company. This report was prepared in October 2012 as Enbridge investors, analysts and bankers met in Toronto and New York for the company’s Investor Days to encourage them to question the business case for the company continuing to pursue this project.
Leaders in Local Government Map
(September 2012)
Created by the Dogwood Iniative, this map of B.C identifies local government's that have passed resolutions to oppose the Enbridge Northern Gateway Project. To stop other tar sands pipelines such as Kinder Morgan, some municipalities have passed resolutions to oppose all crude oil tankers on the B.C. coast.
Tanker Technology: Limitations of Double Hulls
(September 2012)
Tanker Technology: Limitations of Double Hulls, a report by the Living Oceans Society explains that double-hull tankers are not a panacea for oil spill prevention. They may reduce the severity of an oil spill from a grounding or low energy collision, but they are susceptible to a range of design, construction, operation, and maintenance issues, some which may actually increase the risk of an oil spill. Furthermore, double hulls do not address the role of human factors in tanker casualties which have been attributed to as much as 80 percent of oil discharges.
Riki Ott - Think Tankers and What Comes Along With Them
(August 2012)
Riki Ott, oil toxicologist, shares her personal story of the Exxon Valdez spill, weaving in the stories of accidental activists from the BP disaster, the Enbridge tar sands spill, and more. Riki shows the devastating costs of our fossil fuel dependency in communities across North America. Her stories tell what ordinary people are doing to create more self-reliant, sustainable, and democratic communities. Riki engages the audience to imagine what it would take to transition off fossil fuels and confront the dangerous expansion of corporate power -- and inspires people to take action. Riki gave this presentation in communities along the pipeline corridor in August 2012.
Enbridge Pipe Dreams and Nightmares
(March 2012)
The Economic Costs & Benefits of the Proposed Northern Gateway
This study by the Canadian Centre for Polict Alternatives reviews the economic case for the Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipeline and casts serious doubt on claims that the pipeline will lead to substantial job creation and other economic benefits. The study finds that Enbridge’s job creation estimates are based on flawed modeling and questionable assumptions.
An Economic Assessment of Northern Gateway
(January 2012)
Robyn Allan, a former ICBC CEO and former senior economist of the B.C. Central Credit Union outlines in her detailed analyis that Enbridge's proposal fails to identify the impact of building pipelines on the Canadian dollar and overstates the growth of royalties to government treasuries. She concludes that the Northern Gateway project "poses a threat" to Canada's "economic growth and long term development".
Analysis of Skeena River Tributaries Downstream From the Proposed Enbridge Pipeline
(December 2011)
Jack A. Stanford, and Diane C. Whited were contracted by the Northwest Institute for Bioregional Research (Smithers, BC) to use existing databases to produce a series of maps describing the geomorphology of tributaries of the Skeena River, British Columbia that will be crossed by the proposed Enbridge pipeline. The objective was to develop and map metrics that delineate the areas of the Skeena River and its tributaries most vulnerable to potential pipeline spills associated with the proposed Enbridge corridor to Kitimat, BC.
Pipeline and Tanker Trouble: The Impact to British Columbia’s Communities, Rivers, and Pacific Coast
(November 2011)
Pipeline and Tanker Trouble, a report written by the Natural Resource Defence Council, Pembina Institute and Living Oceans Society, uncovers the dangerous nature of diluted bitumen and details the places at risk of an oil spill. Diluted bitumen is not the same as conventional oil; it is more likely to cause corrosion in the pipelines through which it flows, as well as in the tankers that carry it through marine ecosystems. Compared with conventional crude, bitumen blends are more acidic, thicker, and more sulphuric. The inland and marine ecosystems that the pipeline(s) propose to travers are dangerous and provide important habitat to a diverse range of species.
SpOil
(October 2011)
"A powerful award winning documentary on the Great Bear Rainforest." The film shows the splendor of nature and first nation culture with through world renown photographers and beautiful photography. It highlights the what we all want to protect but our addiction to burn more oil is helping to destroy.
Hillslope and Fluvial Processes Along the Proposed Pipeline Corridor
(September 2011)
This paper by James W. Schwab P.Geo., Eng.L. provides an overview of the landscape, terrain, hillslope processes and fluvial processes found within the general area of the proposed pipeline corridor across west central B.C. The intent of this paper is to help formulate discussion, encourage more in-depth study, direct more detailed on-the-ground investigation, and stimulate investigation into possible safer alternative routes to the unstable terrain found in west central B.C. This paper does not discuss environmental consequences and risk associated with the proposed pipelines although the environmental consequences of an oil pipeline break do differ considerably from a break sustained by a natural gas pipeline.
Tar Sands Pipeline Safety Risks
(February 2011)
Tar Sands Pipeline Safety Risks, a report by the Natural Resources Defense Council and others, shows that by its nature raw tar sands oil or diluted bitumen is more corrosive and more likely to result in pipeline failures. The risks of spills from tar sands pipelines are high and U.S. safety regulations are not enough to protect special places such as the Great Lakes, the Nebraska Sandhills and the Ogallala Aquifer. With the proposed Keystone XL tar sands pipeline in the middle of its environmental impact assessment by the U.S. State Department, getting a better understanding of what raw tar sands oil in a pipe means for our environment and safety is more important than ever.
Tipping Point: The Age of the Oil Sands (CBC)
(January 2011)
Tipping Point: The Age of the Oil Sands is a two-hour visual tour de force, taking viewers inside the David and Goliath struggle playing out within one of the most compelling environmental issues of our time. In an oil-scarce world, we know there are sacrifices to be made in the pursuit of energy. What no one expected was that a tiny Native community downriver from Canada’s oil sands would reach out to the world, and be heard.
Financial Vulnerability Assessment: Who Would Pay for Tanker Spills Associated with Northern Gateway
(January 2011)
If Enbridge’s Northern Gateway pipeline is approved, Canadian taxpayers could be on the hook for billions of dollars to cover the clean up and compensation costs in the event of a catastrophic oil tanker spill. This report also concludes that, according to Canada’s oil spill regulations, Enbridge is not responsible for any of the costs associated with a spill once the oil is loaded onto tankers.
Beyond Spills: Environmental Considerations for Communities along Pipeline Corridors
(December 2010)
Video of a presentation in Smithers by Erin O'Brien concerning the environmental impacts of Enbridge pipeline construction in Wisconsin.
Anatomy of a Crude Oil Pipeline Spill - 2010 Enbridge oil spill into the Kalamazoo River, Michigan
(December 2010)
A video showing Beth Wallace's presentation in Smithers regarding the 2010 Enbridge pipeline oil spill into the Kalamazoo River in Michigan.
Pipeline to Nowhere?
(December 2010)
While Enbridge has actively promoted the perceived benefits of its proposed Northern Gateway pipeline, some critical questions remain unanswered. This report by the Pembina Institute aims to address these uncertainties and unanswered questions, such as: Is there a demonstrated demand for this pipeline? Is there a need for more export pipeline capacity? And does the Joint Review Panel have enough information to make an informed decision?
Carrier Sekani Tribal Council Aboriginal Interest and Use Study on the Enbridge Gateway Pipeline
(November 2010)
Provides a preliminary assessment of the potential environmental & socio-economic impacts of the Gateway pipeline; Provides an overview of the Aboriginal title & rights of the Carrier Sekani that would be impacted or infringed by the Gateway pipeline.
Out on the Tar Sands Mainline: Mapping Enbridge’s Web of Pipelines
(November 2010)
Divided into five sections, the profile covers Enbridge’s operations, economic situation, political connections, social and environmental track record and finally the company’s institutional shareholders and main financial underwriters. Produced by the Polaris Institute
Pipeline campaign ad in Smithers Interior News
(May 2010)
An ad that FOWS ran in the Smithers Interior News following the BP oil well disaster in the Gulf of Mexico.
Opening the Door to Oil Sands Expansion
(March 2010)
The proposed Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipeline Project will facilitate the expansion of the Alberta oil sands. If the current business-as-usual management of the the oil sands prevail, the environmental impacts associated with the pipeline will be significant. Opening the Door to Oil Sands Expansion highlights the climate, land, water and air impacts that would occur as a result of this project. It recommends that before further steps are taken to develop the Enbridge oil sands pipeline, the environmental management concerns of the oil sands need to be addressed and a public inquiry that could engage communities in the full range of impacts be concluded.
NGO letter to National Energy Board
(January 2010)
A January 28 letter by 19 non-government organizations to federal environment minister Jim Prentice and the president of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency. "We, the undersigned groups, are writing to express specific concerns regarding the final Terms of Reference for the proposed Enbridge Northern Gateway Project Joint Review Panel released December 4, 2009."
Oil and Salmon Don’t Mix
(October 2009)
Four major pipeline projects have been proposed for northern British Columbia over the next five years, including the Enbridge Northern Gateway Project. All of the proposed pipelines would cross and at times run parallel to important salmon habitats in the Upper Fraser, Skeena and Kitimat watersheds. This report from the Pembina Institute provides an overview of salmon resources in the affected watersheds and examines how pipeline construction and operation would impact salmon; the likelihood of spills; and the impacts of a spill on salmon. The four page fact sheet, "Oil and Salmon Don't Mix," highlights the importance of salmon in northern British Columbia and gives an overview of the risks posed to salmon by the Enbridge oil sands pipelines.
Tankers Filled With Trouble
(July 2009)
This publication by Living Oceans Society describes proposed oil tanker projects and the impacts of potential oil spills on British Columbia's north coast.
The Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipeline: Do British Columbians Stand to Gain?
(April 2009)
A 2009 publication by West Coast Environmental Law, which provides an overview of the risks and benefits of the proposed Enbridge pipelines project.
Pipe Dreams tabloid
(March 2009)
A four-page tabloid produced by ForestEthics and Friends of Wild Salmon detailing the risks associated with the Enbridge pipeline project.
Sacred Headwaters Brochure
(July 2008)
Campaign brochure produced by Friends of Wild Salmon, ForestEthics, and Skeena Watershed Conservation Coalition.
Coalbed Methane and Salmon (Pembina Institute report and fact sheet)
(May 2008)
Coalbed methane (CBM) development has been proposed for Northwest British Columbia's Headwaters region, where three of the province's most important wild salmon rivers, the Skeena, Nass and Stikine, begin. If development proceeds, it would be the first time commercial coalbed methane production has been attempted in salmon-bearing watersheds. This fact sheet summarizes the primary ways CBM extraction could affect salmon and salmon habitat. It also outlines three principles for effective CBM regulations that would address risks to salmon and other concerns.
Report of the Special Committee on Sustainable Aquaculture
(May 2007)
On November 22, 2005, the Legislative Assembly agreed that a Special Committee on Sustainable Aquaculture be appointed to examine, inquire into and make recommendations with respect to Sustainable Aquaculture in British Columbia and in particular to consider the economic and environmental impacts of the aquaculture industry in BC; sustainable options for aquaculture in BC; the interaction between aquaculture, wild fish and the marine environment; and BC’s regulatory regime compared to other jurisdictions. The link below provides access to the Committee's final report.
Synovate Aquaculture Poll, March 2007
(March 2007)
In 2007, the Northw est Institute for Bioregional Research, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the social and ecological sustainability in Northwestern BC, commissioned Synovate, a professional market research firm to conduct a follow up survey to determine current awareness levels and opinion toward BC's salmon farming approach.
FOWS Campaign Progress Report, 2006
(July 2006)
A short document outlining progress on Friends of Wild Salmon's fish farm campaign.
Valuation of the Wild Salmon Economy of the Skeena Watershed (Northwest Institute)
(March 2006)
The Northwest Institute commissioned IBM Business Consulting to conduct a valuation of the wild Salmon economy of the Skeena River Watershed. Their report estimates that the wild Salmon economy of the Skeena River can be valued at approximately $109,987,0001 based on a 2004 base year and 4-year average revenue or revenue-equivalents.
© Friends of Wild Salmon 2008
