No. H117/05
For release - May 27, 2005
OTTAWA — Transport Minister Jean-C. Lapierre, together with Fisheries and Oceans Minister Geoff Regan, today announced a request for proposals to study the risks of an accidental oil spill in Canadian waters along the south coast of Newfoundland and Labrador, including Placentia Bay, because of increasing marine traffic in the area.
"This study will help gather information to verify that we continue to be adequately prepared to respond to potential oil spills during the next decade," said Mr. Lapierre. "Transport Canada and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans look forward to the results of the study and to working with their partners to ensure the continued protection of our marine environment."
"The Government of Canada is committed to continuously enhancing the protection of our marine environment," said Mr. Regan. "With the development of offshore oil production and exploration on the east coast of Canada, there has been an increase in vessel traffic transiting our waters. This risk assessment study is an important first step to ensure the current regime continues to meet the environmental protection needs of the south coast of Newfoundland and Labrador."
There has been an increase in commercial vessel traffic in some areas, particularly along the south coast of Newfoundland and Labrador. There are a number of regulations and programs in place to help prevent potential oil spills, but Transport Canada and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans' Canadian Coast Guard want to ensure that we continue to be adequately prepared to respond to an accidental oil spill should one occur.
"The success of Newfoundland and Labrador's offshore has been developed through leading-edge technology and respect for the environment, the workers and the people of the province," said John Efford, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador. "Continued forward-thinking from government and industry will ensure both the economic benefits and a healthy environment for years to come."
The objective of the study is to gather information to assess the risk facing the south coast of Newfoundland and Labrador over the next 10 years resulting from the transportation of oil and oil products by commercial vessels. Transport Canada will use the data gathered by the study to assess the level of preparedness provided by the Marine Oil Spill Response Regime on the south coast of the province and to make any necessary adjustments. The methodology used in the study will also be used to evaluate risks elsewhere in the country, as required.
A number of issues will be examined as part of the study including for example, increased marine traffic, the size, the age and number of tankers moving along the south coast of Newfoundland and Labrador, the convergence and divergence of shipping routes, spill probability assessments, and the potential impacts of spills on the environment, residents and business.
The Marine Oil Spill Response Regime was established in 1995 to allow the industry to adequately respond to oil spills. Transport Canada is the lead federal agency responsible for the regime, including setting rigorous standards for response organizations and oil handling facilities, and establishing national requirements for preparedness capacity. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans, namely the Canadian Coast Guard, is responsible for ensuring an appropriate response to oil spills.
The cost of the study, which will take place over a period of one year, will be shared equally by Transport Canada and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Transport Canada has worked closely with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, the Canadian Coast Guard, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, environmental groups, and the marine industry to develop this project and will manage it on behalf of the Government of Canada.
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Contacts:
Irène MarcheterreDirector of CommunicationsOffice of the Minister of Transport, Ottawa(613) 991-0700
Robert FaganCommunications OfficerFisheries and Oceans Canada(709) 772-7627
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