TransCanada just filed an application for the largest, longest tar sands pipeline in the world. If built, the project would carry 1.1 million barrels of tar sands crude 4,600 km across Canada every day.

Not only would Energy East dwarf other massive tar sands pipelines like Northern Gateway and Keystone XL, the plan would also see two new massive oil tanker terminals built on the shores of the St. Lawrence River and Bay of Fundy, which would threaten sensitive ecosystems.

For every community along Energy East’s proposed route, the project means the new risk of a pipeline rupture and a spill. There are over 125 larger communities are at risk from a spill on the proposed pipeline route, and many smaller ones which also deserve to be counted. The threat of an oil spill would be a new and significant risk, with little reward for these communities.

Whole regions are being asked to risk local economies based on eco-tourism, on fishing, on pristine landscapes –just to allow oil to flow through for export. Up to 90 per cent of Energy East’s oil would be exported unrefined.

Watch our latest video to learn more about how Energy East puts Canadians at risk of oil spills.

The risk to threatened species in the St. Lawrence and the Bay of Fundy is well documented. For example, consider the threatened Beluga whales, which rely on critical habitat in the exact stretch of the St. Lawrence where TransCanada plans to build an oil tanker terminal. The Belugas won’t recover if further industrial disturbances occur.

There are many reasons for Canadians to be concerned about the Energy East project, but let’s focus here on the issue of protecting our drinking water. Energy East puts nearly 1,000 lakes and rivers at risk of oil spills.

Consider places like Trout Lake, the drinking water supply for the entire city of North Bay in Ontario. Or the Ottawa and Rideau Rivers, which supply drinking water for millions along the river and the capital region. Think about communities along the Saint John River in New Brunswick. All of these are places where the consequences of a single oil spill would be devastating.

You can help!

Help spread the word about the risks of oil spills from Energy East by sharing this video.

You can also have your say and get more information by visiting RejectEnergyEast.ca