[WCBB] Investigative Report [Pipeline]

Datecirca 1975

Can Descriptions[NHF Reel 1] Canadian National Archives cataloguer's notes for [WCBB] Investigative Report, 9/23/98 WO: The host of this 'expose' investigative report, approaches the subject of the Portland to Montreal pipeline with a clear agenda that 'Maine Keeps none of this oil' . . . 'Come see the facts, decide for yourself.' Throughout this show, the quantity of oil in tankers, pipeline, refinery tanks, etc. ins emphasized, with the intent to illustrate the potential for a massive oil spill in Maine. Over the course of the year, some 450 tankers unload crude oil in Portland, Maine. This amounts to as much as 1,600,000 gallons per day. The host boards a pilot ship, and goes out to meet a Norwegian supertanker H.M. Wrangell, with the pilot who will guide the tanker into Portland harbour. The ship docks, and unloading commences. The host flies in a helicopter which regularly inspects the pipeline. Heat from the moving oil makes the pipeline visible in the snow covered ground. There are now 3 pipelines--12', 18', and 24'. The Montreal Pipeline [Co.?] is owned by six Canadian oil companies. Imperial, Gulf, Shell, Texaco, Petrofina, and BP Oil. Shots of the Shell oil refinery in east Montreal are shown. Back in Portland, the host interviews the President of the Portland Pipeline Co. Carl Anderson [henderson?] The host asks about the number of pipelines, and questions regarding the public concern over potential oil spills. The reply indecates that some 29 m;inor spills occurred in [Portland] in 1974, the average quantity being 3.5 barrels. All spills were contained and recovered, and the company is proud of it's record in this regard. The host points to the fact that in 50 days, all of Maine's heating and gasoline needs can be met. The president of PP notes that the remainging oil is crude oil which is sent to refineries in Montreal. [The makes no drive his point] and as a result the 'expose' is somewhat ineffective.