New spill response base planned for Vancouver Harbour
Western Canada Marine Response Corporation (WCMRC) is moving forward with plans to build a new on-water spill response base in Vancouver Harbour. The base is part of a larger expansion plan that commits approximately $200 million in enhancements to the Canadian spill response regime. The enhancements will double capacity and cut mandated response times in half in South Coast waters.
WCMRC, the organization responsible for marine spill response on the West Coast, has a fleet of 17 vessels stationed in Vancouver Harbour. The vessels are currently moored at different docks throughout Burrard Inlet. The new base would bring the vessels and crews together in one central harbour location, streamlining operations and significantly reducing spill response times in the harbour and the south coast of B.C.
Construction of the new base is contingent on the Trans Mountain Expansion Project moving forward. The project is awaiting Federal Cabinet approval, expected in December 2016.
The enhancements include five new response bases, approximately 115 new employees and approximately 26 new vessels at strategic locations along B.C.’s southern shipping lane. The enhancements also call for 24/7 operations at three of the new bases, including the proposed base in Vancouver Harbour. WCMRC is currently on call 24/7, but does not have crews operating 24/7.
“While the region’s existing spill response regime already meets global standards, these enhancements will further improve safety for the entire marine shipping industry. The new measures were based on risk assessments, product testing and oils pill modelling and will provide additional protection for the South Coast of British Columbia,” says Michael Lowry, WCMRC’s Communications Manager.
The on-water base in Vancouver Harbour would be built at 2800 Commissioner Street, near New Brighton Park, on the site of the old Prince Rupert Fishing Co-operative. The new facility would primarily consist of new docks to moor vessels, as well as an office to accommodate response crews. WCMRC’s two large barges would act as a breakwater for rapid response vessels, mobile skimmers, workboats and mini-barges. The base would also provide moorage for one of Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services’ new fireboats.
The proposed Vancouver Harbour response base would require approval from Vancouver Fraser Port Authority. WCMRC will be submitting an application to the port authority within the month. The proposal will be subject to the port authority’s Project and Environmental Review Process. If the project is approved by the port authority, and the Trans Mountain project is approved by the federal government, construction of the base would begin in early 2017 and be operational in 2018.