Approximately 200 registrants, including local governments, environmental non-governmental organizations, industry and First Nations will be taking part in the Land Based Spill Preparedness and Response Symposium to help develop a world-leading land-based spill prevention and response regime for B.C.

The symposium is being held in Vancouver next week, from March 25-27, and will help:

• Determine world-leading spill preparedness and response practices relevant for B.C.

• Identify communication, co-ordination and collaboration opportunities to achieve world-class practices.

• Determine key actions to support the development of world-leading practices in B.C.

Presentations and key topics of discussion will include:

• Lessons learned and best practices from other jurisdictions in Canada and the U.S.

• Spill preparedness and response funding principles/models.

• Risk assessment and contingency planning.

International representatives will discuss world-leading practices and processes to help shape B.C.'s land-based spill preparedness and response policies.

The ministry received over 90 submissions in response to an online consultation held by the ministry from industry, government agencies, public-sector organizations, local governments, environmental groups, and members of the public. Feedback received has been compiled and is available at: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/codes/spr_eep/response.htm

Common themes coming from the submissions include the need to build on existing standards to establish consistency across industry sectors and throughout B.C., and the need for improved understanding on the roles of government, industry, communities, First Nations and the public in spill preparation and response standards.

These detailed submissions, combined with subsequent meetings with industry and stakeholders, as well as input from a working group that is under development, will help inform discussions at the symposium and influence policy development for a world-leading land-based spill preparedness and response regime in B.C.

Quote:

Terry Lake, Minister of Environment -

"Our government believes in making decisions based on evidence, which is why we are holding this symposium not only to learn best practices from other jurisdictions but to carefully listen to the input from all participants. Ensuring public confidence in our spill preparedness and response is of utmost importance, and we are working to achieve world-class practices through communication, co-operation, and collaboration."

Learn More:

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

Land Based Spill Preparedness and Response in British Columbia: Policy Intentions Paper: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/codes/spr_eep/pdf/spill_preparedness_response_ip.pdf

Media Contact:

Ministry of Environment Communications
250 953-3834