The oil response base in Nanaimo is located on the port authority assembly Wharf. (WCMRC)

By Ian Holmes

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NANAIMO — A vastly enhanced network of bases and staff are on standby just in case the unexpected happens.

Mandated to bolster oil response times as a condition of approval of the Trans Mountain pipeline project, industry funded Western Canada Marine Response Corporation (WCMRC) established six new bases for a total of nine on B.C.’s coast.

Last week the Canada Energy Regulator approved the ability of the newly constructed and expanded pipeline link between Edmonton and Burnaby to ship oil to international markets.

Nanaimo’s WCMRC base on Port Dr. is a regional hub with approximately 15 vessels, noted WCMRC communications manager Michael Lowry, who said their strategy throughout BC’s coast is centred on providing a maximum six hour response.

“we’re not just talking about having one boat on scene, we’re talking about having enough equipment to handle a 2,500 ton spill initially, and that includes storage.”

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The oil response administration building/adjacent dock occupies 50 Port Dr. (WCMRC)

Twining the pipeline from Alberta to B.C.’s south coast took four years to complete and swelled to a total cost of more than $34 billion, with the federal government purchasing the project.

The system’s shipping capacity dramatically increases from 300,000 barrels per day to 890,000 barrels a day.

With a history of responding to oil spills since the mid 1970’s, Lowry said their network of fulltime staff and vessels doubled in size respectively to 200 and 88 respectively in phases over the past few years.

Lowry said their expanded oil response capabilities have been put into practice, including a spill adjacent to their Nanaimo base last summer.

“We have been able to get to spills faster and build more capacity. it’s also meant that a spill in one part of the coast does not restrict our ability to respond in other areas of the coast,” Lowry said.

The Nanaimo base serves as a regional hub, which would see resources dispersed if a spill requiring additional help is required, Lowry said.

Aside from Nanaimo, WCMRC bases are also located in Vancouver, Coquitlam, Richmond, Sidney, Beecher Bay (near Sooke), Port Alberni and Prince Rupert.

Lowry said Trans Mountain data indicates a significant pending jump on south coast shipping lanes.

“About one tanker a week was calling on Trans Mountain and then once that line is servicing new vessels, we’re looking at one a day.”

– with files from The Canadian Press

Several oil response vessels in the waters of Nanaimo harbour. (WCMRC)

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Ian.holmes@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes