British Columbia is seeking to enhance its regulatory spill
response regime across the province by way of a phased approach. As
described below, Phase 2 is currently underway, and comments on
this process are due by the end of April 2018.
Initial Phase
The initial phase began in October 2017, with new requirements
on spill preparedness, response and recovery under the Environmental Management Act (EMA)
coming into force, along with three new regulations: the Spill Preparedness, Response and Recovery
Regulation; the Spill Reporting Regulation; and the Spill Contingency Planning
Regulation.
Intentions Paper
This led to Phase 2, pursuant to which the BC Ministry of the
Environment (MoE) released the Policy Intentions Paper for Engagement: Phase Two
Enhancements to Spill Management in British Columbia. This
Intentions Paper describes key policy concepts that the MoE is
considering to improve responses in the event of spills. It also
outlines the engagement process
