A small First Nation’s environmental assessment of Kinder Morgan Canada’s $5.4-billion oilsands pipeline expansion could “delay or derail” the megaproject, according to a legal analysis of the report.
The scathing 90-page assessment, released Tuesday by the 570-member Tsleil-Waututh First Nation of North Vancouver, includes separate scientific research that says Kinder Morgan has underestimated the environmental and public health risks of major and minor oil spills in Burrard Inlet.
“The assessment lays out the profound impacts of the project on Tsleil-Waututh title and rights, thus setting the stage for litigation that could delay or derail” the expansion, according to the two-page analysis of the report by six law professors, including the University of B.C.’s Gordon Christie.
The report concludes the company’s plan to triple the capacity of its pipeline system from Edmonton to Burnaby is contrary to the interests of the Tsleil-Waututh First Nation and should be opposed by its chief and council.
PETER O’NEIL AND KELLY SINOSKI – VANCOUVER SUN -MAY 26, 2015.
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