NEW CREDIT – Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc (Enbridge) sent representatives to the New Credit Community Centre, Wednesday, to answer questions regarding the proposed Line 11 Westover Segment Replacement Project. Line 11 starts at Westover Station and goes south then southeast to Nanticoke Junction.
In order to help fulfill Enbridge’s duty to consult First Nations people, Aboriginal Advisor Matt Jackson was on hand to inform inquisitive community members about the Westover Pipeline Replacement Project, which is slated to start in the Summer of 2014. The replacement project will fix 3.2 kilometres of pipeline in the area of Westover Station. The original pipeline was built in 1971. One community member asked how they expect to replace the pipeline, Jackson explained, “The pipeline will be shut down for two days and we will tie both ends of the pipeline before we go in and fix it.”
Jackson went on to explain the seven phases of work that make up an integrity dig: location of the dig site and stripping of topsoil where applicable; excavation to expose the pipe; cleaning the exposed pipeline; inspection of the pipe; maintenance or repair of the pipe segment as necessary; re-coat the pipe and backfill excavation and clean-up.
Enbridge has already undertaken environmental and archaeological studies, not just for the Pipeline 11 project but for the GTA project as well. One environmental concern with the Pipeline 11 project is the Sheffield-Rockton wetland complex, which is along the route. Enbridge stated that they would protect the area by drilling and boring under the wetlands in two locations.
Of greater concern is the archaeological assessment that was completed for the GTA Project. The GTA Project consists of two segments of proposed high pressure, natural gas pipeline. According to their report, Enbridge has found various archaeological sites, including ancient Haudenosaunee villages, along their ‘preferred route’.
On hand Wednesday evening to question Enbridge’s agenda was grassroots group, Alternative Roots, which is comprised of youth from the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation. Alternative Roots was founded on concepts of creating alternatives to drugs and alcohol through peer-to-peer connections. They focus on youth and pressing issues within their community and surrounding areas including, social, political and economical issues. Their most recent concern is around the Enbridge pipeline and the effects it will have on the community and environment.
Members of Alternative Roots had the opportunity to meet with Enbridge representatives Wednesday night, where they expressed their concerns and asked questions. One of their concerns was Enbridge’s protocols in the event of an oil spill. While Alternative Roots appreciated Enbridge coming out and giving them the opportunity to ask questions, a few of their questions went unanswered. Alternative Roots said in a joint statement, “It is generally known that technology requires high maintenance and constant precautionary measures however, it is inevitable that failure will occur. We understand that Enbridge tries to mitigate their impact on the environment but not every resource is replaceable.”
For more information on Alternative Roots, you can contact them at Alternative.roots@hotmail.com. You can also find them on Facebook.
“White Roots” just gave Enbridge a new tool to add to their propaganda lexicon.
“We understand that Enbridge tries to mitigate their impact on the environment but not every resource is replaceable.”
Which to Enbridge will mean, in the event of a spill, that some resources are more expendable than others. “But hey! We tried!”
Lets all try and remember, Enbridge is NOT our friend here, or anywhere else in Canada either. It will say, promise and do, anything it has to in order to promote it’s own interests. The big push is on! Corporations are just beginning to realize that Harper’s powers are coming to an end and they are trying to get their projects in under the wire before this government falls next election. Don’t let them bamboozle you. They only want what’s best for them. Somehow, we must hold them off until 2015.