Regional Response Planning (RRP) for Ship-Source Oil Spills in Canada: Assessing the Implementation Status of Recommendations and Integration into an RRP Framework

Abstract

In 1995, the National Oil Spill Preparedness and Response Regime (NOSPRR) was established by Transport Canada. Although there has not been a major spill in Canadian waters since NOSPRR was implemented, experts have indicated that Canada remains at risk for a spill. Recent statistical modelling suggests that Canada could experience a major marine oil spill every year, and a catastrophic spill once every fifteen years. In 2013, the Tanker Safety Expert Panel (TESP) published a review of Canada’s National Oil Spill Preparedness and Response Regime, and recommended that Canada shift to an area-based planning approach. In 2014, a nationwide Area Risk Assessment (ARA) indicated that there are regional variations in the level of risk (probability) and/or impact (consequences) of a marine oil spill. Other than two pilot projects (the Area Response Planning Initiative (ARPI) and the British Columbia Regional Response Plan Project), there is no clear indication of a shift toward Regional Response Planning (RRP). An effective RRP framework would mitigate adverse impacts to the Canadian environment, economy, and society in the event of a catastrophic spill. This paper proposes an adaptive RRP framework that can be applied to at-risk regions across Canada. The framework was built using recommendations from the TSEP and the ARPI. The framework begins with Initiation, and is followed by six phases: Region, Risk, Prevent, Prepare, Respond, and Review. This framework emphasizes: stakeholder and rightsholder engagement; expert involvement and science-based decision-making; open communication and data sharing between government departments; and establishment of a standard process for national use. Feedback loops are included to ensure the management (response) is adaptable and responsive to regional changes. Finally, an action plan is required to ensure RRP is implemented within a reasonable timeframe. Ideally, the development of an RRP approach to oil spill management should be a proactive rather than reactive process. Keywords: marine oil spill; policy; regional based management; adaptive management; shipping; marine transportation; response organization