Washington wants Canada to improve spill plan for U.S. spur of Trans Mountain
OLYMPIA, Wash. — Washington’s Department of Ecology wants the Canadian government to fix what it calls “deficiencies in critical areas” of its spill response plan for a spur of the Trans Mountain pipeline that runs through the state.
When Canada purchased the Trans Mountain pipeline and assets for $4.5 billion, it also bought the Puget Sound line, which carries Alberta oil to four Washington refineries.
The state’s Ecology Department says in a news release that the Canadian government, as the owner of the 100-kilometre pipeline, is required by law to have an approved spill response plan.
It says the pipeline operator submitted a plan to the department for review and approval, and it’s now given the operator 60 days to add more details in several areas.