Canada's energy board: Build pipeline that hurts endangered killer whales
The National Energy Board of Canada has renewed its backing for an 895,00 barrels-a-day oil pipeline, even while acknowledging it will have "significantly adverse environmental effects" on endangered southern resident killer whales.
A major pipeline or oil tanker spill is unlikely, but the "effects would be significant," Robert Steedman, the Board's chief environmental officer, told a briefing in Calgary.
The orcas are, in essence, being told to take one for the team. The Board found the $9.3 billion (Canadian) pipeline would bring "considerable benefits" across the country.
"While these effects weighed heavily on the NEB's consideration of project-related marine shipping, the NEB recommends that the government of Canada find that they can be justified in the circumstances, in light of the considerable benefits of the project and measures to minimize the effects," the recommendation said.
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