The B.C. government is proactively taking the first step toward defining a world-leading marine-based spill response model to protect B.C.'s vast 27,000-kilometre coastline.

The Ministry of Environment is contracting Alaska-based Nuka Research and Planning Group to review, evaluate and prepare a report on the current marine oil spill prevention, preparedness and response regime for coastal British Columbia to identify changes needed to support a world-class system.

• As part of the contract, Nuka will complete the following work around B.C.'s oil spill response and preparedness regime:

• A vessel traffic study assessing the current and potential levels of shipping on the west coast of Canada, focusing on oil-carrying vessels.

• An assessment of the existing spill prevention and response regime in place for B.C.

• A preliminary analysis to identify international best practices for marine oil spill prevention and response, based on a high-level review of other systems.

This work supports the second of government's five minimum requirements for new heavy oil pipelines in B.C. - world-leading marine oil spill response, prevention and recovery systems for B.C.'s coastline and ocean to manage and mitigate the risks and costs of heavy oil pipelines and shipments.

Marine spill responsibility primarily falls under the jurisdiction of the federal government, and the Province remains committed to collaborating with Ottawa on a world-class spill response model.

Quotes:

Terry Lake, Minister of Environment -

"We are taking an important first step in the creation of a world-leading marine spill plan for B.C. while respecting federal authority over marine-based protection and response. Ultimately, a spill response plan for the B.C. coast is a shared responsibility and we will continue to press the federal government for a stronger role in the work they are undertaking on a world-leading marine-based spill response model so we can ensure the interests of British Columbians are being met."

Elise DeCola, operations manager and principal consultant, Nuka Research and Planning Group, LLC. -

"Nuka Research is pleased at the opportunity to support the B.C. government in establishing a world-class marine oil spill preparedness and response regime for the west coast. The B.C. government has shown a strong commitment to apply world-leading practices and technologies to protect their marine waters and coastline, and Nuka Research is excited to contribute our spill response preparedness expertise to this effort."

Learn More:

BC Newsroom - Ministry of Environment:http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/ministries/environment-1

Contact:

Ministry of Environment Communications
250 953-3834