Environmental emergency response officers (EEROs) from the Ministry of Environment took part in a spill response exercise today at the Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue Training Centre in Sooke as part of a week-long annual training session.

The exercise included two scenarios simulating fuel spills and provided an opportunity for EEROs to practice water boom deployment techniques both on the water and on the shoreline.

In today’s exercise, training was led by Western Canada Marine Response Corporation – the Transport Canada certified response organization for Canada’s West Coast. If a real spill were to occur in this area, EEROs would work collaboratively with local government, First Nations and other provincial and federal agencies.

The recent amendments to the Environmental Management Act will allow the ministry to put regulations in place with requirements for responder training and participation in drills and exercises. First Nations and local governments will also have opportunities to play a larger role in spill response preparedness through this legislation.

Regulations to support this legislation are currently being developed as engagement continues with the general public, stakeholders and First Nations. British Columbians have until June 30, 2016, to share their thoughts on proposed requirements for spill planning and preparedness at: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/spillresponse

(flickr.com)

Learn More:

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