B.C. could struggle to contain an oil spill off its north coast, research suggests

Research, expert interviews and modelling in the article suggest responders would face major challenges containing a large bitumen spill off B.C.'s north coast because of severe weather, fast currents and long travel times for equipment.

A hypothetical scenario in the article describes an Aframax tanker grounded on Butterworth Rocks and a large release of bitumen. The scenario is informed by expert interviews, past spill cases and multiple studies modelling how oil behaves and moves along B.C.'s north coast. Researchers and responders cited harsh winter weather, high seas and strong currents as consistent obstacles to timely mechanical recovery. The report appears alongside federal discussions about a new pipeline to B.C.'s north coast and related policy choices. Key findings: - The article presents a scenario in which a grounded tanker releases millions of litres of crude, and modelling shows spilled bitumen can spread quickly under common wind and wave conditions. - Response groups face long travel times to reach remote sites and federal response timelines, with mechanical recovery impaired when seas exceed certain heights and often infeasible in winter conditions. - The article notes a recent memorandum of understanding in which federal and provincial leaders discussed backing bitumen exports if a pipeline is built and referenced possible adjustments to the existing oil tanker moratorium. Summary: The research and interviews reported indicate that current environmental conditions and logistics on B.C.'s north coast would make containment and mechanical cleanup of a large tanker spill difficult in many seasons, with potential ecological and economic consequences referenced from past spill events. Federal and provincial policy discussions about a pipeline and a possible change to the tanker moratorium are ongoing, and how those decisions proceed is undetermined at this time.