By Matt Simmons, The Narwhal, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Ridley Island in Prince Rupert, B.C., is home to the region’s primary export  terminal. Freight trains rumble in 24/7, carrying goods like grain, coal  and — more recently — liquified petroleum gas, commonly known as  propane. Massive ships in the adjacent deep waters are loaded with this  cargo, mostly destined for transport across the Pacific.