Warning of Dangers Within
When you drive around Nanaimo there are several sites, where oil companies used to offer gasoline and diesel for sale for the thirsty motoring public. I am not sure of the exact reasons the companies have found it economical to abandon these sites, rather than upgrade them and continue to sell their wares. I suspect it is a matter of pure economics as is usually the driving force behind most business decisions.
As a result of these station closures several 'prime' Nanaimo locations sit vacant as the land is polluted to the point it has become unusable, presumably the result of years and years of faulty tanks leaking petroleum product into the soil. They are quite the eyesore and because of their high profile locations are difficult to ignore.
I understand that city hall has been wrestling with the problem recently and as yet have not made any public statements as to a policy to deal with these blights on the landscape. To their credit, the Young Professionals of Nanaimo have been championing a program that would see these vacant lots used as community gardens using raised beds which would avoid the problem of the contaminated soil on these sites. This however would only provide a partial solution as during fall and winter months, not much gardening would be done.
Perhaps the Parks and Recreation department could get involved with some of the different arts groups in town and put panels on the chain link fences that could be used by 'juried' grafitti artists to show off their talent.
As to why the oil companies were not required to return the land to it's pristine state, rather than just abandoning these sites, is probably just another example of how no one really has much say about what the big oil companies do. Proof of that can be seen every time you fill up your car.
A bit of an understanding of this situation is required. I know some but not all of the process but a better understanding may be found after reading the following:
ReplyDeleteSites that used to be gas stations require tanks to be removed and then the soil requires a period of time in which pipes are inserted to allow the expulsion of gases contained in the earth to release into the air, in order for the property to be further developed.
I don't believe it is contamination but rather mediation of the soil is required.
Bill, what is the source of this information? I recall the old Esso across from Boston Pizza on the Highway, had a steady stream of dump trucks coming and going from that site and it seemed they were hauling away soil and then trucking in replacement fill.
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