Monday 16 February 2015

Will CBC Report the Details on Rail Derailment?

Dear CBC News;

This morning CBC reported a rail derailment in the North, which involves a fire that has raged more than 24 hours, and an oil spill of "crude oil".  The incident is receiving very little coverage on either radio or TV and after a whole day we are still not getting more details.  Why aren't you informing the public on this spill?  Following are some of the pieces of information I am looking for in your news reporting:

  • What kind of rail cars were carrying the oil?  Are these more of the older, less safe rail cars, or are they newer, "safer" ones?
  • What were they carrying?  Was the "crude oil" conventional crude, or dilbit -- tar sands oil suspended in diluent?
  • How big was the oil spill?
  • What is the emergency response process and how long will it take to put out the fire and to begin the cleanup?
  • What are the difficulties of cleaning up such an oil spill on snow in winter temperatures?  What are the resources and plans to clean up a spill in this kind of isolated location?
  • What would be the consequences if they fail to clean it up before spring?  What water bodies are nearby that may be affected?
Be assured, Canadians do care about serious rail accidents and oil spills, including in isolated locations.  We are concerned about the safety of carrying oil out of Alberta by train.  We are as concerned for the natural environment in the North as we are in the South.  Please keep us informed.

1 comment:

  1. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/sudbury/gogama-train-derailment-safety-of-shipping-oil-by-rail-questioned-1.2959759

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