The Ministry of Environment has released the results of a marine-spill preparedness study, the province announced October 10.
The study, which was conducted by Nuka Research – a marine environmental consulting firm – and commissioned by the provincial government, was undertaken to evaluate the federal government's ability to deal with a spill off the west coast.
Nuka simulated a series of oil spills and determined that several aspects of the current plan require further study and possible enhancements, including inter-agency co-ordination and general oversight.
A comprehensive marine spill and preparedness plan is one of B.C.'s conditions for considering heavy oil pipelines, the ministry 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," said Minister of Environment Mary Polak.
"The study is essential to informing our discussions with the federal government in building a world-class marine spill response system."
The study evaluated the existing marine-spill prevention and response plans, a vessel traffic study assessing current and potential shipping levels and an analysis of international best practices.
The study results can be found here.
