Editor:
With all the negativity involving an oil pipeline along Highway 16 to Kitimat or Prince Rupert, perhaps there could be an alternative route across British Columbia to the Pacific Ocean.
At the same time, B.C. could reduce the access deficiencies with Enbridge and possibly Kinder Morgan, extend a utility corridor form Vanderhoof across the central plateau to Anahim Lake, then follow the old railway survey down to the Bella Coola Valley, then on to Bella Coola.
The sea port at Bella Coola has two major routes to the open Pacific Ocean, one on each side of King Island.
Both channels could be used by tankers, with three side inlets for parking ships, all protected from the open sea.
The highway from Vanderhoof already extends to the Kenney Dam, and there are numerous logging roads that could be unitized.
This highway was proposed about 40 years ago, before mining, logging and gas exploration.
The pine beetle infestation resulted in major expansion of the logging, and the search and probable discovery of natural gas also could benefit from this development.
A proper highway extension from Anahim Lake down to the Bella Coola Valley could follow the pipeline route, providing a modest road grade, thus improving a safe route for the people residing there, and tourism and ferry service could benefit the region.
Kinder Morgan should not be allowed to twin its pipelines into the Burrard Inlet-Burnaby-Port Moody-Vancover area.
As their existing pipeline from Alberta turns South at Tete Jaune Cache on Highway 16, and follows Highway 5 to Kamloops, the new line could continue west along Highway 16 to Vanderhoof. The line could then follow along with the enbridge line in a ‘utility corridor’ to Bella Coola.
David Black’s proposal to build a refinery to eliminate moving bitumen (dolbit) into tankers, and adding value to the product is a good business plan.
However, if the refinery was established at the B.C./Alberta border, near Tumbler Ridge, a refined product could be moved by pipelines across B.C. and onto tankers.
This would reduce any damage to the environment both on land and in the sea, at the same time providing a better dollar return to those involved.
There would be fewer First Nations bands involved on this route, and an initial and fully involved dialogue and participation should be a priority for both the pipeline companies, our B.C. government and the federal government.
Something to think about.
Reg Norberg
Williams Lake