Enbridge’s Northern Gateway Project

Proposing oil tankers in some of the most pristine and treacherous waters in the world

To understand Raincoast’s objections to the Northern Gateway Project, we have compiled analysis and reviews that we produced either as evidence for the federal hearings (NEB/CEAA), published science papers or in popular reports. Links to these documents are at the bottom of the page.

A chronology of  the Northern Gateway project

A grizzly holds a salmon in its mouth as it stands in the water.

In 2003 Raincoast began its work to keep the coast of British Columbia oil-free. Raincoast’s efforts in the Northern Gateway review process included original scientific research, scientific review and a legal role (represented by our lawyers at Ecojustice) as intervenors in the federal hearings.  Upon project approval by the JRP and federal government, we joined with First Nations to launch legal challenges.  

What’s at Stake: The cost of oil on British Columbia’s priceless coast

What's at Stake Report Cover

In 2004, Raincoast began five years of at-sea surveys along the coast of British Columbia to understand what truly is at risk from the Northern Gateway Project. The resultant report, What’s At Stake: The Cost of Oil on British Columbia’s Priceless Coast, along with published scientific papers, detail this information and place it in a broader ecological context.

Embroiled: Salmon, tankers and the Enbridge Northern Gateway Proposal

Pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) in the Great Bear RainforestOne of the most iconic species on the BC coast, salmon are at particular risk from oil expansion projects. The Raincoast report, Embroiled: Salmon, Tankers and the Enbridge Northern Gateway Proposal, explores the connections between the oil industry’s proposed activities and how those activities can adversely affect salmon.

Groundswell: A small film about making a big stand

Groundswell poster-webWhen Raincoast’s research vessel, Achiever, set sail with Patagonia and a world-famous team of surfers, we embarked on an adventure that allowed these high profile surfers to experience this amazing coast, its incredible wildlife and understand why tar sands oil tankers should never traverse these waters. Watch the trailer, download or purchase.

Reflections: Art for an Oil-Free Coast

An art from an oil-free coast artist paints in the great bear rainforest.A shared venture from Raincoast and Strongheart Productions, Reflections is a 22-minute documentary chronicling our Art for an Oil-Free Coast project. It shares the story of the artists’ expedition into a stunning and remote landscape, weaving together the artists’ work and their response to a people and a region at risk.

Reports on concerns for Enbridge’s Northern Gateway Project, including the deficiencies in Enbridge’s Environmental Assessment (ESA)

Marine mammals

Short history of BC whales and sea lion populations (PDF)

Status of whales and dolphins in QCB

Overview of threats to whales from NGP oil tankers (PDF)

Salmon 

Threats to salmon from NGP (PDF)

Cumulative threats to salmon (PDF)

RCF risk assessment undertaken on salmon (PDF)

Embroiled: Salmon, Tankers & Enbridge NGP (PDF)

Sea otters

NGP project threats to sea otters (PDF)

Cumulative threats to sea otters (PDF)

Marine Birds

Threats to marine birds from NGP (PDF)

RCF risk assessment undertaken on marine birds (PDF)

The Queen Charlotte Basin

Coastal/Terrestrial Animals (PDF)

Marine Life (PDF)

Brief overview of Enbridge’s flawed ESA

Overview of Enbridge’s ESA (PDF)

Brief overviews of the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill

Exxon Valdez Oil Spill 

Lessons from Alaska (PDF)

Oil tanker threats to the Queen Charlotte Basin

Overview of threats from NGP oil tankers (PDF)

Enbridge’s examination of tanker risk (PDF)

Conclusions

Conclusions about Northern Gateway (PDF)

References

References

Chris Darimont looking off into the distance on the river with the sun coming through trees in the background.

Meet the team of applied conservation scientists at the University of Victoria

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Last year the Raincoast lab at UVic marked an important new milestone with the creation of the Raincoast Chair in Applied Conservation Science at the University of Victoria. This five year Chaired Professorship allows us to expand our research, teaching and outreach programs in community-driven applied conservation science. Our long-term vision is to train next…