Developing company says no project of this dimensions could ever be risk-free

Nov 30, 2011 09:01 GMT  ·  By

Canadian and American scientists agree upon the fact that a proposed route for a bitumen pipeline implies unacceptable environmental risks. In their opinion, this structure could trigger irreparable damages to the entire area and its inhabitants.

In a recent report experts suggest the Enbridge Inc.'s worth $5.5-billion would pass through several regions and rivers. A potential bitumen spill would have dramatic consequences, according to scientists from Canada's Pembina Institute and also the Natural Resources Defence Council in the United States, reports CBC News.

The developing company tends to disagree. “The Enbridge Northern Gateway Project involves a new twin pipeline system running from near Edmonton, Alberta, to a new marine terminal in Kitimat, British Columbia to export petroleum and import condensate. This multi-billion dollar project represents an exciting opportunity for northern BC and Alberta,” reveal officials behind this controversial project.

Scientific research indicates that a pipeline connecting Bruderheim, Alberta with Kitimat, British Columbia faces engineering challenges and could generate a series of harmful spills along its course. The report, entitled Pipeline and Tanker Trouble also takes into consideration a dangerous precedent.

In 2010, Enbridge pipeline spill has considerably polluted Kalamazoo River in Michigan, after three million liters of bitumen ended up in its water. Even more alarming is the fact that the company neglected its environmental responsibility. After saying it will finish the entire clean-up operation by the end of 2010, the work is expected to continue throughout 2012.

At this point in time, experts are saying bitumen represents a much bigger threat that regular oil, since it sinks after it is dumped into the water and it mixes with the dirt from the bottom. Therefore, cleaning a spill of these proportions would represent a much more difficult task.

Researchers also reveal that Canada's environmental legal framework isn't strong enough to cope with such threats. In their opinion, Canadian law does not regulate bitumen transportation.

The company behind this project dismissed the criticism, stating that no project developed on such a scale could ever be considered “risk-free.” Paul Stanway from Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipelines has declared that authorities have to make up their mind.

They could either take chances and let the providers supply North America with an appropriate amount of energy or they could ban the project and breathe at ease.