National publication takes note of proposed Vopak Terminal in Prince Rupert

Plans by Vopak Pacific Canada for a Bulk Fuels terminal in Prince Rupert
have generated some interest from a national magazine
(image from Vopak Pacific Canada website)

A national publication which has a heavy focus on environmental themes has cast its gaze to the North Coast, hosting a feature item late last month on the plans for a bulk fuels terminal near Prince Rupert.

The Narwhal, describes itself as a non-profit magazine and one designed to bring evidence based news and analysis to its work. The publication  came out of a project known as DeSmog Canada and much of their work is to explore stories of note related to the impact on the environment and nature.

From a June 25th report, the Narwhal's Matt Simmons provides a look a the 7 things that the publication wants us to know about the Vopak Terminal project. 

The Dutch based industrial giant has proposed a bulk fuel export terminal for Ridley Island, if  built it would ship a range of liquid bulk cargoes such as propane, methanol and value added refined fuels, it is currently working its way through the approval process.

As we noted last month, the proposed terminal was one of a number of projects that wast highlighted as part of the Port of Prince Rupert's Annual Public Meeting.

The Vopak project description can be viewed from the Vopak Pacific Canada website here.

The main focus of the article from Mr. Simmons, which did feature two clarifications to the original draft, seems to be directed towards three elements.

That of the volume of rail cars that the terminal will see arriving each day, the increase in tanker traffic that it will provide for, as well as the nature of the environmental process that the project falls under.

Among those that were contacted for comments related to the overview of the project were the Port of Prince Rupert's Ken Veldman who offered some guidance on the  environmental process for the author.

While a number of more expansive themes were explored by Luanne Roth from the T. Buck Suzuki Environmental Foundation, Ms. Roth spoke to a number of concerns that she has relayed locally in the past.

You can review the snapshot of the proposed terminal from the Narwhal article here.

For a look at the progress of the Vopak Plans to date see our archive page here.