Tristar Transload PNW wants to expand dangerous oil train and transloading operations in Vancouver. More oil trains mean more risks for our health, climate, and the Columbia River. Tell the Southwest Clean Air Agency (SWCAA): deny Tristar’s permit.
Vancouver families have fought for years against dangerous fossil fuel projects along the Columbia. Tristar’s proposal would bring more oil trains through our neighborhoods, more toxic air pollution, and more risks of fire and explosions near our homes, schools, and river.
Take Action: join us in telling SWAA to protect our communities and the Columbia River.
Dear Southwest Washington Clean Air Agency,
I am writing to strongly urge SWCAA to deny the draft Air Discharge Permit (ADP 25-3713) for Tristar Transload PNW. The proposed expansion poses serious risks to our community’s health, safety, and environment.
Public Health & Safety Concerns
- Tristar’s operations will increase emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), benzene, and other hazardous air pollutants linked to cancer, asthma, and other serious health issues.
- SWCAA should require real-time, continuous air monitoring and enforce strict hourly pollutant release limits. Without these protections, nearby families, schools, and vulnerable populations will be exposed to dangerous pollution spikes.
Environmental & Climate Impacts
- The project will increase greenhouse gas emissions at a time when Washington is legally required to reduce emissions under the Climate Commitment Act.
- Tristar’s new butane transloader engines appear more polluting than existing equipment, raising questions about whether Best Available Control Technology (BACT) has been applied.
Regulatory & Procedural Concerns
- The permit does not adequately address odor complaint response times. Past examples in Longview show regulators took nearly a week to respond—by then the pollution had dissipated. SWCAA must ensure timely, enforceable response requirements.
- Equipment sites listed only by coordinates in the Technical Support Document do not appear in the Draft Air Permit or SEPA Checklist. This lack of transparency undermines the public’s ability to evaluate risks.
- The cumulative risk of increased petroleum rail traffic through Vancouver neighborhoods was not fully evaluated under SEPA (State Environmental Policy Act).
Community Impacts
- Vancouver residents have consistently opposed new and expanded fossil fuel projects along the Columbia River. Approving this permit disregards strong community concern for safety, clean air, and environmental justice.
- Communities near the facility often lower-income and communities of color will bear disproportionate health and safety risks if this permit is approved.
Conclusion
For these reasons, I urge SWCAA to deny Tristar’s draft air permit. Protecting public health, safety, and the Columbia River must come before corporate profit and fossil fuel expansion.
Thank you for considering my comment.