The Canadian province of British Columbia released a comprehensive study assessing current marine-spill preparedness and response capabilities on 10 October 2013. The study also outlines necessary improvements to achieve a world-class system to ensure B.C.’s coast is protected from potential marine spills.
Nuka Research, an international expert in spill preparedness and response, had been commissioned by the provincial government to undertake the study so B.C. could better understand the federal government’s ability to deal with a spill off the west coast. The West Coast Spill Response Study contains three volumes, including:
The study lays the foundation for building a world-class marine spill response and preparedness system, one of the Province’s five conditions for considering heavy oil pipelines in B.C.
While the federal government is the lead for marine spills and is already taking some important steps to improve the system, the study concludes more federal resources are needed to protect the west coast. B.C will continue to work with the Government of Canada and push for changes necessary to ensure world-class requirements and regulations are in place.
Mary Polak, Minister of Environment, said: “While we respect federal jurisdiction over marine spills, we must ensure B.C.’s interests are being met, and that means adding more resources to protect our coast. This study is essential to informing our discussions with the federal government in building a world-class marine spill response system.”
The complete study can be found at: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/main/west-coast-spill-response-study/
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