Whereas oil and hazardous and noxious substances HNS are being transported through or near communities in British Columbia, and proposals to increase the volume of these substances are currently being considered without adequate consideration for the risks to local communities; And whereas the increased transport of these products translates to an increased risk to local communities from incidents such as fires, explosions and spills, with the potential to cause significant impacts to health and safety of citizens, first responders and the environment, and require the involvement of local governments to minimize the consequences to their communities; And whereas despite their vital role in safeguarding their communities and identifying the local risks and consequences of potential incidents, local governments have not been adequately involved in risk assessment and response planning carried out by industry, project proponents and other tiers of government, and are not sufficiently resourced to participate in the risk assessment and planning process, let alone respond to the impacts of oil and HNS incidents on their communities: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM call on the provincial and federal governments to expand the scope of oil and hazardous and noxious substances HNS risk assessment and response planning to include all impacts and consequences on local communities and governments, and introduce additional funding for the resources and locally-specific capacity building required to ensure that local governments are in the best possible position to plan for and protect communities and the environment in the event of fires, explosions, spills and related incidents as a result of increasing transportation of oil and HNS; And be it further resolved that UBCM and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities call upon the federal government to develop a comprehensive emergency response plan and procedure for hazardous and noxious substance spill related emergencies that includes due recognition of and compensation for the role of local government emergency response services.
Ministry of Environment On June 15, 2015 the Ministry announced plans to implement a world-leading land-based spill regime by February 2017. Many of the new requirements would ensure that local governments are supported in preparedness, response and recovery for spill events. The Ministry is currently engaged in detailed planning and design work that will inform the regime, including the legislation, regulations, funding model and creating a Preparedness and Response Organization. As the design phase of the project proceeds, it will include further engagement with local governments, First Nations, industry, and other stakeholders. The requirements for the world leading spill response regime are informed by research commissioned by the province from Nuka Research which assessed the current marine spill preparedness and response capabilities for B.C.s coastline. Further, the province has sought another report that will identify specific world leading practices. The new world-leading regime would ensure an effective response to a spill of any hazardous material. Requirements for planning and response also include expanded roles for local governments and First Nations. This will be supported by new preparedness requirements for companies with spill risk. The requirements will include the need to have detailed spill response plans, including geographic response plans, to minimize any impacts of a potential spill. Additionally, equipment staging, trained personnel and practice drills and exercises will be required.
Minister of Natural Resources Regarding pipeline safety, new measures to improve energy safety and security will be put into place with the Pipeline Safety Act, which comes into force on June 19, 2016. The new legislation is built around the pillars of prevention, preparedness and response, and liability and compensation. In addition, the NEB is leading an update of damage prevention regulations under the NEB Act. These regulations will clarify the safety zone around pipelines and outline limitations for activities in these zones for companies, landowners and the public. We are also following with interest the development of the BC land-based spill regime, and have committed to taking part in engagement activities for this initiative.