Creating a World Leading Spill Response Regime for BC Chris - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Creating a World Leading Spill Response Regime for BC Chris Hamilton October 27, 2015 First Nations & Oil Pipeline Development Summit B.C. Ministry of Environment

Outline of Presentation • Why a new spill response regime? • What problems are we fixing? • Who is included • Design principles • Next steps 2

Why a new spill response regime? • Forecasted growth of BC economy will see increased development and transportation of natural resources across all sectors. • Increased public, local government and First Nation interest in environmental emergencies and in how both government and industry respond. • In June 2015, Minister of Environment Polak announced her intention to create a “world class” spill response regime. 3

What problem do we want to fix? • Many “risk bringers” have well -organized, regulated and proven preparedness and response programs. • Preparedness and response capacity and standards vary across industries, sectors and areas of the Province. • Limited current direction on recovery and ecosystem restoration requirements • There is an increased demand from communities and First Nations to be involved in training, education and participation in spill response 4

What problem do we want to fix? con’t • Funding for training, education and First Nation and community participation in all aspects of spill response and planning. • We need better communication, information and collaboration. • There is limited public trust for the role of both industry and government to address spills. 5

What sectors are included?  Mines  Petroleum  Transportation  Marine shipping  Orphaned spills  Others 6

Design Principles Discussions to date have indicated broad support for a new spill regime with these design principles: • Polluter pays • Risk based requirements • Avoid unnecessary duplication • Fair and transparent • Opportunities for Communities and First Nations in preparedness, response & recovery • Strong government oversight • Continuous improvement 7

Next Steps • Staff are currently developing a series of policy options and questions in preparation for broad consultation with First Nations, industry and communities to start in January 2016. • This work will inform a new “options” paper which will set out specific policy choices and scenarios. • We are also currently considering broad enabling legislation for Spring 2016. • We are preparing a specific proposal for a comprehensive First Nation engagement program. 8

Thank you for your time 9