CANADIAN FIRMS TO IMPROVE OIL SPILL RESPONSE

Environmental issues continue to take center stage in Canada's oil industry. Canadian petroleum companies will spend $13-15 million during the next 5 year period to beef up oil spill response capability, industry groups say. Meanwhile, Alberta Environment Minister Ralph Klein said draft legislation by his department would require companies to accept a 25 year responsibility for cleaning up environmental problems at abandoned sites.

Dec. 17, 1990

2 min read

Environmental issues continue to take center stage in Canada's oil industry.

Canadian petroleum companies will spend $13-15 million during the next 5 year period to beef up oil spill response capability, industry groups say.

Meanwhile, Alberta Environment Minister Ralph Klein said draft legislation by his department would require companies to accept a 25 year responsibility for cleaning up environmental problems at abandoned sites.

OIL SPILL RESPONSE

Plans by Canadian Petroleum Association and Independent Petroleum Association of Canada to improve oil spill response call for additional containment and cleanup equipment, increased research, improved staff training, and better industry-government and intraindustry communications.

The project would implement 33 recommendations by a 1989 task force on oil spill preparedness that is sponsored by the two associations.

A CPA/IPAC report said independent but concurrent action is being taken by downstream industry sectors. CPA said oil spill plans will include emphasis on preventive measures by companies.

SITE CLEANUPS

The onus for cleanup of such sites now falls mainly on government.

There are a number of orphan sites where original owners can't be traced or there is no one who claims responsibility.

Under the proposed legislation, companies would post a bond and agree to cleanup responsibilities in a contract with the government.

CPA official Hans Maciej questioned whether the proposal is workable.

"We have regulations for the abandonment of wells that require certain things to be done, and once you comply with all these things and once you have reclaimed a site ... that should be the end of it," Maciej said.