In 2014, Eagle Spirit Energy Holdings Ltd. announced it was proceeding with an alternative to the Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline.
The multi-billion dollar project aims to link the Alberta oil sands to the West Coast of B.C.
While Enbridge’s pipeline project faced strong opposition throughout the province, several First Nations have already expressed support to Eagle Spirit Energy Holding’s oil pipeline project.
The Burns Lake Band is among the First Nations that signed a declaration of support to Eagle Spirit’s project in Calgary on Feb. 11, 2015.
So what are the main differences between Eagle Spirit’s pipeline project and Enbridge’s?
Eagle Spirit’s pipeline project would carry light crude oil that has already been refined in Alberta, and would ship out of Grassy Point, B.C. Enbridge’s pipeline project would carry bitumen and would ship out of Kitimat, B.C.
Burns Lake Band chief Dan George said he considers bitumen to be much more dangerous than light crude oil in the event of a spill.
“Bitumen is too hard on our fisheries because it sticks to the bottom [of the ocean],” he said. “This could ruin all of our salmon habitat.”
Chief George said than when light crude oil spills in the ocean, the oil will float, facilitating its clean up.
Chief George also said he had concerns about Enbridge’s pipeline transporting oil by rail, which he says could be dangerous.
But the main reason behind the support of Eagle Spirit’s pipeline is the fact that this is a First Nations-led and owned project. Eagle Spirit has been offering First Nations a large equity stake and a chance to oversee the entire project.
“With Eagle Spirit we’re involved from the very start, before the project even goes to the environmental assessment office,” said chief George.
However, not all First Nations are on board with Eagle Spirit’s project. Coastal First Nations say there is unanimous opposition among First Nations communities on the B.C. coast.
“There isn’t a single First Nation on the coast of B.C. that supports oil exports,” said Art Sterritt, Executive Director of the Coastal First Nations. “Eagle Spirit is bringing forward the same interior First Nations that supported the Enbridge pipeline, and glossing over the fact that opposition among First Nations who oppose heavy oil pipelines is stronger than ever.”
Chief George said he was unaware of any opposition to Eagle Spirit’s pipeline, “I see Art Sterrit grasping at straws making false statements about what he thinks, he doesn’t have a clue.”
Negotiations with Eagle Spirit are still the early stages. Chief George says there are still no defined timelines for the project and that the Burns Lake Band is not legally bound to the project.
George went on to say, “We can step away anytime we want. We are just in initial talks and a lot of the logistics still need to be worked out.”
When ask who would be responsible for refining the oil? George comment, “I know some of the reports said the refinery will be on the coast, that’s rediculous because that would be the same proposal as Enbridge. The initial thought is to refine the oil before crossing B.C.”