Swim Drink Fish Blog
Read the latest updates and news releases about community science, water monitoring, Artists for Water, and more.
Energy Board defends Great Lakes from bitumen spills
Yesterday, the National Energy Board revoked Enbridge’s Line 9B pipeline project until it proves they’re taking reasonable precautions to protect our drinking water. The decision reflects the overwhelming evidence that Line 9 was not built for, nor is it prepared to move bitumen along Lake Ontario.
Enbridge pipeline project delayed by water protection concerns
Until Enbridge proves that there are shutoff valves located on all major waterway crossings, the flow of oil through Line 9B cannot be reversed. According to the Board's letter, 104 major waterway crossings along the pipeline. Only 6 have shutoff valves within 1km of the water.
Lake Ontario Waterkeeper responds to National Energy Board’s approval of Line 9 decision
We are disappointed by the Board's decision. The NEB could have denied Enbridge’s application or imposed stricter terms and conditions that would better protect the environment, but chose not to take environmental concerns to heart.
Enbridge submits final Line9B arguments in writing
On Friday afternoon, Enbridge submitted its final written reply arguments to the Board. Below you'll find a summary of of the written arguments.On Friday afternoon, Enbridge submitted its final written reply arguments to the Board. Here's a summary of of the written arguments.
7 things you should know about the Enbridge Line 9 hearing
Enbridge is seeking approval from the National Energy Board to reverse the flow of oil in a pipeline that runs from Sarnia to Montreal. The 639 kilometre stretch of pipeline between Sarnia and Montreal (mostly in the Lake Ontario watershed) is the focus of an NEB hearing that moves from Montreal to Toronto this week. The hearing is expected to be well-attended and eventful. Within the first hour of the Toronto hearings, two peaceful protests were staged by Amjiwnaang First Nation and 350.org members.
Here are 7 things you need to know about the Line 9 hearing.
Need a Source? Waterkeeper can help you cover the Enbridge Line 9 pipeline reversal
Reversing Line 9B could have serious impacts on the public’s ability to safely swim, drink, and fish in Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, the Ottawa River, and St. Lawrence River watersheds. Lake Ontario Waterkeeper and our peers are very concerned about irreversible harm to the natural environment that would results from spills.
Activists launch suit in federal court over ability to oppose proposed pipeline projects - The Globe and Mail
A new law suit is "taking aim at Enbridge Inc.'s plan to reverse a pipeline, Line 9B, that now runs from Montreal to southwestern Ontario, to connect with existing lines and ship western oil to refineries in Quebec." The suit alleges that new rules under the National Energy Board Act unfairly limit public participation.
Environmentalists speak out against proposal to transport heavy crude oil by pipeline along Great Lakes watersheds
Jaegun Lee, Staff Writer for the Watertown Daily Times, outlines Waterkeepers' concerns about Enbridge's Line 9 oil pipeline proposal.
4 Waterkeeper groups submit comments on Enbridge's Line 9 reversal proposal
Enbridge is proposing a change to its oil pipeline, most of which runs through the Lake Ontario watershed. Four Waterkeepers collaborated on this submission, sharing four major concerns: Leaks or spills from Line 9 have the potential to cause serious and irreversible harm to the environment. Pipeline breaches can occur for a variety of reasons, allowing material to enter the environment. Enbridge has a record of failing to prevent major leaks and spills and failing to respond to spills in a timely manner. Leaks or spills from this pipeline can and should be prevented. Enbridge must be held accountable for any leaks or spills from this pipeline.
Read our complete submission here.