Failure of the Assessment Process in dealing with Marine Mammals and Seabirds in the National Energy Board KM/TMX pipeline hearings

• Main Author: Fletcher, Garry L.
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: Western CEDAR 2016
• Subjects: Life Sciences; Marine Biology; Natural Resources and Conservation; Eastern Entrance; Lanes; Elephant Seal; harbour seal
• Online Access: https://cedar.wwu.edu/ssec/2016ssec/fate_and_effects_of_pollutants/15

The Kinder Morgan /Trans Mountain Expansion project proposal did not in our opinion use data that was up to date when considering the impact of Marine oil transportation on Ecosystems of the Salish Sea. Whale sightings and marine mammal birthing colonies have not been reflected in the data provided for the project by their consultants. Neither have seabird colonies and migratory stopover locations been adequately considered. As participating Intervenors in the NEB hearings we have provided updates on elephant seal and harbour seal birthing colonies and observations from the Race Rocks Ecological reserve which show an ever increasing presence of Killer whales and Humpback whales in the eastern entrance of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The records we have provided show the importance to seabirds and terrestrial migrants of an island archipelago in the shipping lanes. The changing dynamics of these populations needs to be adequately reflected when considering potential impacts of Marine Oil Transport in the Salish Sea Ecosystems.