Quinte West residents voice concern over Line 9 risks

By Brendan Burke

BELLEVILLE – Quinte West residents continued to express concern over Enbridge’s recent decision to increase the flow of crude oil through its Line 9 pipeline at a council meeting Monday night.

Councilors heard testimony from an area resident that publicly addressed the pipeline’s safety issues and highlighted the environmental risks associated with transporting crude oil as other residents filled the gallery. While the pipeline has been in operation since 1976, Enbridge’s plan to increase its flow of resources has stirred widespread concern for community safety.

The energy-giant received the go-ahead from Canada’s National Energy Board in 2013 to boost distributed levels of oil by more than 400 per cent; an approval that has prompted many residents to question the security of the 38-year old, underground pipeline.

Enbridge’s announcement has garnered criticism and has encouraged concerned community members to seek answers from both the city and the energy supply titan itself, as many fear the aging pipeline will not be able to sustain an influx in flow.

“We’ve listened to residents,” said City of Quinte West mayor John Williams early Wednesday morning. “We hope that Enbridge can put these concerns to rest.”

The mayor was present during the weekly council meeting.

Quinte West councilors, including Sydney-ward constituents Terry Cassidy and Keith Reid, have joined the chorus of calls for transparency from the corporation, citing the possibility of an environmentally devastating crude oil spill should the line break under heightened pressure, according to media reports. Cassidy put forth a motion at the June 16 meeting to seek an environmental assessment.

The councilor requested a full evaluation from the provincial government and called for legislation that would hold Enbridge financially accountable in the event of a spill, according to documents.

While the council ultimately voted “no action” to Cassidy’s proposal, Williams acknowledged the councilor’s efforts to ensure Quinte West’s wellbeing.

“He’s welcome to do that,” he said.

The ongoing fears of residents, Williams said, should be addressed in a public and open forum, adding input from Enbridge is also necessary in order to determine definitively whether or not the community’s recent anxiety is warranted.

“We want to hear from Enbridge. We have and will continue to work with them,” Williams ensured.

He’s confirmed an Enbridge representative plans to visit the region in July to address safety concerns.

While Williams said he trusts the energy-supplier’s professionalism and judgment in assessing the issue, he stressed the importance of taking the proper precautions regardless.

“Something could happen anywhere,” he said.

The pipeline, which crosses the Trent River at Glenn Miller Road, would not be the first crude oil transport to rupture if a break were to occur. In 2010, an Enbridge-operated pipeline carrying bitumen from Canada’s oil sands burst, causing significant environmental damage to Talmadge Creek in Michigan.