7/30 Where are the whales?, Vancouver WA oil, Quesnel BC natural gas

Western meadowlark (Paul Bannick/BirdNote)

If you like to listen: Writer Ivan Doig writes about bird songs, including that of this Western Meadowlark, in his book, Ride with Me, Mariah Montana: "Warbles and trills and solo after solo ... the air was magically busy. None of us spoke while the songs of the birds poured undiluted. I suppose we were afraid the spate of loveliest sound would vanish if we broke it with so much as a whisper. But after a bit came the realization that the music of birds formed a natural part of this place, constant as the glorious grass that made feathered life thrive." BirdNote: Ivan Doig on the Music of Birds

Monika Wieland at Orca Watch writes: "Where Are The Whales? It's a question we island residents patiently put up with from May through September, the best time of year to see whales in local waters. Second only to, "What time do the whales come by?" the question "Where are the whales?" is a common one from not just tourists, but also among researchers, boat captains, naturalists, and all members of the whale-watch community.... This year, however, the question, "Where are the whales?" has taken on a different meaning among the whale watch community. It's not just a curious question among hopeful whale watchers trying to track the movements of J-, K-, and L-Pods. It's a sadder, more anxious question this year because, quite simply, the whales aren't here...." Where Are The Whales

The Port of Vancouver has released copies of the lease agreement Port commissioners approved last week for a controversial oil terminal. The document wasn’t available to the public until Monday. The lease does not restrict the terminal developers from exporting oil overseas, according to port communications specialist Katie Odem. Tesoro Corporation and Savage Companies plan to build an oil terminal that would move crude oil produced in North Dakota from trains to ships bound for West Coast refineries.... Matt Gill, external affairs manager for Tesoro, said U.S. regulations prevent North Dakota crude oil from being exported overseas, but the company isn’t ruling out the potential for exporting oil produced elsewhere. Cassandra Profita reports. Vancouver Oil Terminal Lease Would Allow Exports  

Part of Quesnel, B.C. was under an evacuation order on Monday afternoon following damage to a Fortis B.C. natural gas pipeline. The company learned at about 3 pm of damage caused to a two-inch main by a third party, Fortis spokesman David Wylie said. A Fortis technician was on site shortly after to work with local officials on immediate safety precautions. A work crew was headed to Quesnel from Prince George and was expected to be on site shortly after 4 pm. Wendy Stueck reports.  Damage to natural gas pipeline prompts evacuation in Quesnel, B.C.  

Now, your tug weather--
WEST ENTRANCE U.S. WATERS STRAIT OF JUAN DE FUCA- 900 PM PDT MON JUL 29 2013
TUE
W WIND TO 10 KT...BECOMING NW 5 TO 15 KT IN THE AFTERNOON. WIND WAVES 2 FT OR LESS. NW SWELL 2 FT AT 7 SECONDS.
TUE NIGHT
W WIND 5 TO 15 KT. WIND WAVES 2 FT OR LESS. NW SWELL 2 FT AT 7 SECONDS.

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