The Editor,
Over the years many economists and political figures have noted that many corporations and financial institutions will socialize risk and privatize profits as much as possible.
The airlines that make up the VAFFC are a prime example of this with respect to the proposed jet fuel marine terminal and 80-million-litre tank farm.
YVR is a vitally important part of the lower mainland economy and a balanced relationship of providing fire protection, access to utilities and infrastructure such as sanitation, roads, transit and land is a fair exchange for the economic opportunities and commerce the airport provides.
However, paying for that balance has become extremely one-sided with VAFFC's South Fraser marine terminal proposal.
Richmond Fire-Rescue has identified the need to build, equip and staff a new fire hall and fire boat in direct response to this proposal. All to be paid for by the Richmond taxpayers, will VAFFC's municipal taxes cover these costs? Not likely!
The VAFFC is a consortium of airlines with very few assets and has not revealed any plans to purchase insurance to cover damage external to their facility.
More than likely the taxpayers will be footing the lion's share of a spill cleanup bill. What will the impact be on fisheries worth hundreds of millions, tourism and Fraser River commerce?
VAFFC frequently states how their proposal would be better than tanker trucks on our roads.
Tanker trucks are far from a good solution, but why are there tanker trucks on our roads?
YVR's own data shows that over the last 10 years the number of flights for passengers and cargo has nearly flat-lined.
The existing pipeline operator to YVR has stated that they can provide 100 per cent of YVR's fuel needs and Richmond City council has stated that the line is at about 80 - 85 per cent capacity.
So why are there tanker trucks on the road?
No one wants to stop jet fuel from getting to the airport. There are other fuel supply options that put the community, environment and economy at much less risk than the proposed marine terminal and tank farm on the banks of the Fraser River, the world's greatest salmon river.
Nearly 90 per cent in recent polls do not support the proposal.
If the VAFFC is serious about expanding fuel delivery to YVR then they need abandon this ridiculous proposal and must put forward something acceptable to residents of Richmond and Delta.
Scott Carswell VAPOR Society Director
