As the calendar rushes forward to the Dec. 24 expected deadline to announce environmental approval of a jet fuel facility on the Fraser River's south arm, the province should stop and take a look at other options.
The one I'm hoping will be considered is locating a secure, fuel tanker receiving area along Sturgeon Banks, and away from the more environmentally sensitive south arm that encompasses Steveston and the Reifel bird sanctuary across the water in South Delta.
I understand progress is not something that can be stopped. And as a seasoned traveller, it would be hypocritical of me to suggest a project increasing the delivery of aviation fuel to YVR be abandoned.
So, where should a fuel pipeline go that would feed the anticipated increase in air traffic through our airport? Allowing tankers to ply the water's of the Fraser's south arm to a massive tank farm on the shoreline near Silver City and a nearby condo development is not the best alternative.
Why? Simply put, it is a proven fact containment booms - such as those used in the event of a fuel or oil spill - cannot do their job in flowing water.
And that's exactly the environment we have along the south arm which is, let's not forget, one of the most important salmon routes in the world.
Since spills are inevitable, it makes little sense to consider this to be the best place for the facility.
Plus, something called the "wall" is a pretty good reason to look elsewhere.
The "wall" is a situation that can take place during the spring freshet when an increased flow of water comes down the river and empties in the strait.
What can result is a wall of water and rogue waves that may rise as high as 20 feet in the strait just off the west dyke.
I have experiencedº first-hand what that represents. And it could be a significant hazard for vessels laden with fuel making their way to the mouth of the south arm.
The "wall" has been responsible for numerous tragedies over the years, marking the waters in the area as some of the most treacherous along the coast.
Better the government turn down this project where it is being proposed and consider alternatives.
The one I think is most feasible would be located along Sturgeon Banks, just off Sea Island.
There, a series of weirs could allow numerous tankers to gather and pipe the fuel five or so kilometres to the existing storage area north of the airport.
So, in the event of a spill, containment efforts would be more effective since the weirs, or gates, would protect the waters and limit the flow.
That way, the environment would be better protected, YVR can have a better supply of fuel for its customer airlines, and the economic engine that is the airport can continue providing the benefits to Richmond, the province, and beyond.
In the meantime, there's the question of Port Metro Vancouver -which is overseeing the steady increase in industrialization of the Fraser River - and who it answers to.
When it has so much affect on local communities, perhaps it should have better representation on its board.
But maybe that's a topic for a future column.
Longtime Steveston resident Loren Slye is a dedicated community volunteer and a member of numerous local organizations.
