Transport Publication - TP 15039 E (2010)
19. Research on Ecosystem Effects
Proposal: Additional research is required to assess potential effects on south coast ecosystems, specifically:
- Regular, systematic, long-term observation at the breeding and wintering sites of bird and animal species ( e.g. , areas such as Cape St. Mary's and Lawn Islands)
- Continued beached bird surveys and long-term tracking studies along the Cape Shore and elsewhere in the primary risk areas
- Independent research on species where data is currently lacking (the assessment indicates there is insufficient knowledge on, for example, caplin, lobster, otters, turtles and various bird species on pages 184-191).
- Assessment of cumulative effects in the region and the region's limits to capacity.
The Canadian Wildlife Service (Environment Canada) performs these functions, and is active in conducting their own surveys as well as providing guidance and auditing of industry-sponsored surveys. They believe that there is sufficient data on important species to do a credible risk assessment and overall damage assessment in the event of a spill.
Action required:
Environment Canada will continue to conduct surveys (within their mandate) of potentially affected species and their habitats, and will continue to assist industry and local interests in performing their own surveys.
20. Research on Response Priorities
Proposal: Research is required on how response efforts should be prioritized in Placentia Bay. This would allow responders to target key areas first in the case of a spill, such as fragile ecosystems and aquaculture sites. This research will also support decisions made with respect to the placement of rapid response equipment.
Sensitivity information has been compiled by Environment Canada and is part of both CCG 's and ECRC 's area contingency plans. The information is quite extensive, and includes data on shore type, wildlife, fisheries, and human use.
The data is available in a computer-based application, such that users can load it onto laptop computers for use in their office or at the spill scene. The data is regularly updated as additional sensitivity information is provided. The system has been used in actual spill incidents and is used regularly in training programs and exercises.
Action required:
EC will continue to maintain and update the sensitivity databases as appropriate.
CCG , TC , and ECRC will continue to use the information contained within the system for training, exercises, and responses.
21. Representative Oil Spill Scenarios
Proposal: The accuracy of trajectory modeling should be quantified for spills in the region.
State-of-the-art models exist and are available through both Environment Canada, as part of the REET function, and through ECRC as a contracted service. Significant trajectory modeling studies have been done for Placentia Bay as part of previous Environmental Assessments and TERMPOL submissions.
The use of trajectory modeling in the risk assessment study was simply to create a representative oiling situation for quantitative analysis of effects, and therefore costs.
For the purposes of spill effect assessment, modeling within Placentia Bay should not be particularly challenging. The relatively tight boundaries mean that oil will be deposited on shorelines fairly quickly, and the predominantly bedrock shorelines mean that oil will likely smear along the shore. The extent of oiling will depend on the size of the spill and on local conditions that exist at the time of the spill.
Action required:
TC and CCG to use Environment Canada expertise in this area in future planning, and particularly in exercises, workshops, and responses.
22. Emergency Management Plan
Proposal: An emergency management plan for Placentia Bay be developed and include prevention, preparedness, response, mitigation, and recovery.
Prevention measures do not exist as a defined plan, but cover a range of issues that are approved in the context of an Environmental Assessment submission or a TERMPOL review. In particular, procedures such as the tug escort system and the tanker vetting process have been significant in producing the good spill record in Placentia Bay and across Canada.
There are a range of plans to cover preparedness and response. Industry plans are reviewed regularly as part of the RO certification process. These plans are also tested regularly as part of the National Exercise Program.
CCG has a Draft National Response Plan that identifies how it will manage the response to a marine oil spill, including the deployment of personnel and response resources. Similarly, Transport Canada is preparing a National Preparedness Plan that will lay out the overall framework for the national preparedness capacity to combat marine oil pollution incidents in Canada
Some other plans that link with the TC and CCG plans in the event of an oil spill include:
- National Places of Refuge Contingency Plan ( PORCP , Transport Canada);
- Regional Environmental Emergencies ( REET ) Contingency Plan;
- Oil Spill Response Plan (Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment Canada);
- ECRC 's Response Organization Plan;
- Oil Handling Facilities Emergency Response Plans.
Nonetheless, there appears to be a need for a concise information document that describes the various plans that are in place, their interactions and dependencies, divisions of responsibility, and key points of contact. The document should cover all aspects of an emergency response, from vessel-in-distress to eco-system recovery. The document would be available to local interests.
Action required:
TC will produce a summary document of all applicable contingency plans with contact information for public use.