We have the opportunity to increase safety and jobs in our community with the proposed Vancouver Energy oil terminal.
This project has brought a new level of focus and investment to ensuring safe oil transfer by rail in Clark County. It is important to note, since we’ve had oil by rail traveling through our county for over 20 years. The proposed terminal will generate a projected $2 billion increase for our economy and 1,000 jobs locally.
After a tour of the proposed terminal, it’s clear significant safety investments have already been made.
Vancouver Energy proactively added 210 enhanced tank cars exceeding new USDOT safe transport standards. Tesoro DOT 120 rail cars have a Conditional Probability Release (CPR) of approximately 3 percent at 50 mph and about 1 percent at 25 mph. That’s very close to 0 percent.
To further minimize the probability of a release, Tesoro’s transport policy is 5 mph or less in the Port of Vancouver and maximum 35 mph into or out of the port. They also inspect their tanks before and after they enter or exit the port.
During my tour, I asked what plans Vancouver Energy had to train and equip our first responders. They have taken the initiative to offer a third party safety gap analysis to the city of Vancouver and its fire responders in addition to specialized training in Texas. Hopefully at some point soon the city of Vancouver will be able to take Vancouver Energy up on their offer.
Support enhanced safety and new jobs in Clark County by sending in your written comments to Washington’s Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC) by Jan. 22, 2016. Details are available atwww.vancouverenergyvoice.com andhttps://ts.efsec.wa.gov/.
Vicki Kraft
Vancouver
