Today’s approval of TMX sanctions probable extinction of the Southern Resident killer whales

Green light by Trudeau government is neither science-based nor in Canada’s best interest

For immediate release: November 29, 2016

Sidney, British Columbia:

Contrary to their claim, the Canadian federal government’s approval of Kinder Morgan’s Trans Mountain tar sands pipeline and oil tanker project is a political compromise not based on scientific evidence. The NEB and the Trudeau government have failed to address the risk, especially to the Southern Resident killer whales.

As interveners in the National Energy Board review of the Trans Mountain proposal, Raincoast submitted extensive scientific evidence detailing the adverse effects to Southern Resident killer whales, Fraser River salmon and the Salish Sea. Our evidence was not contested by either Kinder Morgan, or the federal government.

Tanker traffic in the Salish Sea will increase by an estimated 700% with more than 800-in-and-outbound tanker trips annually. “Kinder Morgan’s shipping route transects critical habitat that our federal government has identified as critical for the survival and recovery of endangered Southern Resident killer whales,” said Misty MacDuffee, wild salmon program director for Raincoast.

“Even without oil spills the additional noise from Kinder Morgan tanker traffic increases the risk of extinction to already imperilled Southern Residents. Today’s approval of the Kinder Morgan project sanctions the probable extinction of Southern Resident killer whales. We are now considering our options including additional legal action,” said Chris Genovali, executive director for Raincoast.

Raincoast media contacts:

Misty MacDuffee, wild salmon coordinator, 250-818-2136/misty [at] raincoast [dot] org

Dr. Paul Paquet, senior scientist, 306-376-2015/ppaquet [at] baudoux [dot] ca

Chris Genovali, executive director, 250-888-3579/chris [at] raincoast [dot] org

Ross Dixon, program manager, 604-607-3494/ross [at] raincoast [dot] org

Video, graphics and photographs available: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/mstedp1jjtiwquw/AABSa5_LsU77ymYo5PkGpwB-a?dl=0