San Juan County Council Warns of Oil Spill Risk from New Canadian Pipeline

The San Juan County Council is sounding the alarm about increased oil tanker traffic in the Salish Sea, which could lead to catastrophic oil spills. According to a recent letter from the council, Canada's plans to build an entirely new pipeline will triple the number of tankers passing through the area by 2034.

The proposed pipeline will terminate at Roberts Bank, just seven miles from the U.S. border, and will carry heavy crude oil called dilbit or dilute bitumen, which sinks if spilled.

Oil tanker shipping lanes follow a narrow channel west of San Juan Island, where tankers up to three football fields long can navigate with up to 800,000 barrels of liquid cargo. An ERTV (emergency response towing vessel) is needed in closer proximity to respond quickly in the event of an accident.

The council is urging Gov. Ferguson and Rep. Larsen to engage with their Canadian partners and the U.S. Coast Guard to ensure every risk reduction and safety measure is procured.