Came upon the issue (via Terry Edelmann @ FB) of the rather sneaky (or we were asleep, or both) Tar Sands Development and the intrusive transportation corridor for materials for development for the extraction of the Tar Sands oil reserves in Northern Alberta, Canada. (Kearl Oil Sands Project)
The attached links will explain that the much of the materials come in via ship from South Korea and elsewhere to the port at Vancouver, Washington. From there the oversized components are barged up the Columbia River to Lewiston, Idaho and then these somewhat massive loads are trucked on precarious roadways up through Idaho and Montana and then into Northern Alberta where they will be assembled for the extraction process.
What is shocking is the little attention this has received until recently (or, I was not paying attention). I find some remarks about it back in 2009 and a lot of eco angst about the whole Tar Sands issue in Alberta. But, there was an almost off the radar coordination here regarding the inland transportation of extraction components. Public hearings were held by Imperial Oil (Exxon-Mobil). (oh, don’t forget Conoco-Phillips is involved here as well).
But, it is evident the buy offs had to have been raised some time back to get the green light to enter a US port, get approval to off load and then reload for a push up the Columbia River, move up through all those dams, utilize the Lewiston port and then most amazingly transport hundreds of over sized loads on roads that will require power line alterations, over pass alterations, turn out alterations, and most importantly to most reading here potentially deform watersheds, fisheries and the recreational industries of Idaho and Montana (Alberta too?). No studies? No permitting process? Just a big ass green light to proceed.
I have attached several links. One in particular provides comments re the feasibility of much more commerce via this route into Canada and into the US mid west. So, this expanded wide industrial corridor via the mighty Columbia…up through the dams and then by roads, through a way of life we appreciate, idealize, worship, or lead is for many a big middle finger. This is a precursor to greater plans for these routes.
I have attached these links because they are somewhat thoughtful and at least written in a thoughtful tone as opposed to the ecobot’s the sky is falling. Go to any posts re Tar Sands if you need your hysterical fix.
This is one instance where Washington, Idaho and Montana snuck one by the citizens in a big ass way. As this grotesque convoy scrapes, erodes, defiles its way East and then North some serious questions should be asked of representatives that shrugged, ignored, or accepted no significant impact reports. In this day in age, this is not like building the railroad or as one said honoring Lewis and Clark and Jefferson’s vision.
USA Today Tar Sands Invasion Advocates West
Transportation Report Montana Misssoula News
“…is one of approximately 250 currently proposed for a new permanent industrial corridor through the Northwest. Over the next three decades, existing contracts between oil corporations and Asian manufacturers could result in thousands of shipments traveling this corridor, clogging roads on most days of the year.” All Against The Haul
Obama Administration comment?
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