A geotechnical engineer working for Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipelines told Kitimat Council that, from a personal perspective, he wouldn't work for the company if he didn't believe the pipeline could be constructed safely.
The engineer, Drum Cavers, was in town for a talk to the Kitimat Chamber of Commerce and then later to Kitimat Council for a shortened version of his presentation.
Covering a variety of subjects relating to the landscape that the proposed pipeline would face from near Bruderheim, Alberta to Kitimat, Cavers set out work that has been done to mitigate the risks, which range from rock slides to earthquakes.
It was a very technical review but his central message was that the route has been chosen and changed very carefully to avoid risks that could affect pipeline safety.
He spoke at the same Kitimat council meeting where members of Douglas Channel Watch presented as well, cautioning councillors of what they perceived were promises made by Enbridge regarding water safety that have no way to be enforced.
More in next week's Northern Sentinel.