Robson Bight update

Thanks to all of our supporters who have been helping us in trying to persuade British Columbia’s Ministry of Environment to salvage the diesel fuel tanker that has been lying at the bottom of Robson Bight since last August’s tragic barge accident.

We have received an update from our colleagues at Orcalab on Hanson Island who tell us after months of delay, in mid May, the Ministry of Environment finally issued a Request for Proposals to salvage the tanker. Several proposals were received by the closing date, (June 4th) and are now being evaluated with assistance from an outside consultant. It will be several more weeks before a contract is signed which sadly means there is no chance that the tanker will be removed before the orcas return for their annual season in the Johnstone Strait area.

In the aftermath of the accident, 25% of the Northern Resident orca community was exposed to toxic diesel fumes and the health consequences of this exposure is potentially very serious. Though some of the exposed groups have been sighted during the past few months and appear intact, the most heavily exposed group, the A30 family, has not been seen at all. It has been common for the A30s to be sighted in northern British Columbia’s waters by now, so their absence is a worry. However, the deviation from expected behaviour does not mean the A30s are in trouble and we are all awaiting the first sighting of this important and favourite orca family.

None of this delay was necessary as the government has powers that enable it to take urgent actions when needed, and can issue contracts by Direct Award. Doing this avoids cumbersome delays built into the competitive bidding process, and facilitates getting jobs done that must be done in the public interest. Given the dire urgency of the situation in Robson Bight, and the clear public interest involved, it was obvious that a Direct Award of the salvage contract was not only appropriate, but necessary. Unfortunately, despite urging from North Island Member of the Legislative Assembly Claire Trevena and NGOs, including the Marine Connection, Environment Minister Barry Penner could not be convinced.

At this point, the clear priority is for steps to be taken to protect the orcas, and the sensitive ecology of Robson Bight, from a potential release of diesel from the tanker before it can be removed. This means oil spill cleanup equipment needs to put in place, with a trained crew nearby and on standby. We are left with the hope that governments are able to put these essential contingency plans in place, in time. Given the slow pace at which governments have acted so far, it is very difficult to be optimistic. An anxious summer lies ahead.