Re: "David Black proposes oil refinery in Kitimat," Aug. 18.
As one of the overwhelming concerns to any pipeline proposal is the potential damage resulting from a ruptured line, rather than putting the refinery on the coast, would it not be more sensible to refine the bitumen at or near its source in Alberta and then pipe the refined products to the coast in batches through one pipeline?
Although there are small product losses resulting from the process, with modern technology, I believe that the economics would be superior as there would be a requirement for only one pipeline, which would be smaller than the two required to provide a conduit for the return of the bitumen diluent to Alberta after separation at the refinery.
As David Black claims the damaging effects of a spill when refined product is released would be significantly less than if bitumen was released, that should appease those troubled by pipelines in general.
Most importantly, we should not forget that exporting hydrocarbons is vital for Canada's economic well-being and we should at least attempt to add as much value to a resource as possible before it leaves the country.
Peter Longcroft
Sidney
