Oil trains a concern for Boundary County

Concerned about the dangers posed by yet more oil trains running through our communities? The proposed Tesoro-Savage terminal at Vancouver, Wash., would mean an extra four trains passing through each day.

Is Boundary County really prepared to handle a major spill in the Kootenai River, or the possibility of a train exploding as it comes through town, as happened at Lac Megantic, Quebec? The oil market is volatile and unstable, and we’ve already seen there isn’t much job security for those who work in the oilfields. The only sure thing with this project is that it would impact our health, our land, and our quality of life. We have the know- how to work on better, safer ways to meet our needs than shipping and burning fracked-up crude. 

Please attend the public hearing for Tesoro-Savage in Spokane Valley on Thursday, Jan. 14. The Idaho Conservation League is arranging a carpool from Sandpoint — call them at 265-9565 if you’re interested. If you can’t come to the hearing, you can send in written testimony. I encourage you all to speak up — our communities can’t afford to let this project happen.

SHANE SATER

Bonner County