LNG tankers have a relatively good safety record thanks to strict international guidelines.¹ These guidelines are not being followed by Woodfibre LNG. Canada has no regulations for LNG tankers and the potential conflict between recreational boaters, ferries, and LNG tankers has not been adequately addressed.²

Siting an LNG facility in Howe Sound violates international safety standards and practices

According to the Society of International Gas Tanker and Terminal Operators (SIGTTO) LNG Terminal Siting Standards:

1. LNG ports must be located where they do not conflict with other waterway uses, including fishing, recreational boating, and ferries.¹
   

2.  Long, narrow inland waterways are to be avoided, due to greater navigation risk.¹ (Note that fjords such as Howe Sound are by definition "long, narrow inlets characterized by steep sides, created in a valley carved by glacial activity."³

3. LNG ports must not be located on the outside curve in the waterway, since other transiting vessels would at some time during their transits be headed directly at the berthed LNG ship.¹

4. Human error potential always exists, so it must be taken into consideration when selecting and designing an LNG port.¹

TAKE ACTION: Sign the Howe Sound Declaration now

Please take a moment to add your signature to the Howe Sound Declaration and help us stop Woodfibre LNG.

CHIP IN: Help us stop Woodfibre LNG

Will you chip in to support our campaign to stop Woodfibre LNG so we can be as effective as possible? Your support is crucial to our success as we work to stop this terrible project that threatens our environment, our communities, our health, our safety, and our climate.

REFERENCES

1. SIGTTO (1997) Site Selection and Design for LNG Ports and Jetties.
2. VTACC (2017) Sailing into unknown waters: Canada lacks the regulatory framework needed to protect the public from the security and safety risks of LNG development on the BC coast.
3. List of fjords in Canada (2017) In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 23:48, April 16, 2017.

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