Dry run of oil-spill response on the southeast coast of Galiano Island was part of Coastal Response Program that includes specific plans to protect 600 sensitive areas in the event of a marine disaster
Like links in a chain, 610 metres of a fluorescent orange oil-containment boom unfurl off the deck of a boat that is configured like a landing craft.
Stephanie Spencer, Malahat Nation’s marine stewardship co-ordinator, says conducting oil-spill response drills is very important. “Every time we are out exercising with spill-response partners, we are honing our skills and new lessons are learned. This will enable us to respond quickly and effectively in case of a real spill event,” says Spencer, 38, who on this day is working with three out of the half dozen members of the First Nation’s environmental department trained in oil-spill response.
The fear of an oil spill is always in the backs of the minds of those taking part in the exercise. After the Exxon Valdez struck a reef and spilled 40 million litres — 38,500-tonnes — of crude oil in Alaska in 1989, governments on both sides of the border enacted measures to improve oil-spill response protocols.
Membership does not include the cost incurred in a spill. The vessel’s owner is expected to pay for all of the cleanup costs — or carry the necessary insurance. Vessels of opportunity are any commercial and recreational vessels that can respond during an oil spill. “Geographic response strategies have been created so if there is a spill in that area, the amount of boom you will need is already figured out. This saves a lot of precious time during a real spill event,” said Spencer
Michael Lowry, spokesman for Western Canada Marine Response Corporation, says the Coastal Response Program evolved out of conversations with coastal communities and First Nations. “Many communities were interested in having a more active role in spill response and asked for greater transparency in the planning process,” Lowry says.
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Preparing for disaster: Marine responders team up with First Nation in oil-spill training exerciseDry run of oil-spill response on the southeast coast of Galiano Island was part of Coastal Response Program that includes specific plans to protect 600 sensitive areas in the event of a marine disaster
Read more »
Preparing for disaster: Marine responders team up with First Nation in oil-spill training exerciseDry run of oil-spill response on the southeast coast of Galiano Island was part of Coastal Response Program that includes specific plans to protect 600 sensitive areas in the event of a marine disaster
Read more »
Preparing for disaster: Marine responders team up with First Nation in oil-spill training exerciseDry run of oil-spill response on the southeast coast of Galiano Island was part of Coastal Response Program that includes specific plans to protect 600 sensitive areas in the event of a marine disaster
Read more »
Preparing for disaster: Marine responders team up with First Nation in oil-spill training exerciseDry run of oil-spill response on the southeast coast of Galiano Island was part of Coastal Response Program that includes specific plans to protect 600 sensitive areas in the event of a marine disaster
Read more »
Preparing for disaster: Marine responders team up with First Nation in oil-spill training exerciseDry run of oil-spill response on the southeast coast of Galiano Island was part of Coastal Response Program that includes specific plans to protect 600 sensitive areas in the event of a marine disaster
Read more »