Extreme energy projects such as tar sands or fracked oil shipments pose the greatest threat yet to the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Basin. Tar sands bitumen has been shipped through St. Lawrence River Basin. Once the price of oil increases and projects become profitable again, big oil companies could pursue plans to ship tar sands and fracked oil through the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River. But are communities around the Basin ready for these risky oil shipments?
This report summarizes key state, provincial and national legislation governing oil transport and shows glaring gaps in environmental assessments, spill prevention and preparedness, spill response capacity, funding and other safety issues.
