The Stream

#TWNSaysNo: Canadian tribe rejects proposed pipeline

Tsleil-Waututh Nation study finds proposed expansion could cause ‘environmental catastrophe’ in British Columbia.

Under the tagline “grounded in truth, backed by science”, a North Vancouver First Nation rejected a proposed oil pipeline expansion after conducting a year-long study on its impact. 

The Tsleil-Waututh Nation released its findings on Tuesday, saying the Trans Mountain expansion proposed by energy company Kinder Morgan would increase the threat of oil spills and could cause an “environmental catastrophe”. 

“A large spill has the potential to expose over one million residents around Burrard Inlet to acute health effects from toxic air emissions,” the study found.

Rueben George, a member of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation told reporters, “It’s not if a disaster happens, but when.” 

Published On 27 May 2015