The Canadian and U.S. Coast Guards will be performing an international oil spill response drill in the Strait of Juan de Fuca today and tomorrow.
Their activities may be visible from Victoria on Thursday, May 23rd between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m.
News from #BritishColumbia: Don’t be alarmed! On May 22 and 23, we will be conducting an on-water pollution response drill with the @USCGPacificNW and other response partners in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Air and water assets will be deployed. #JustADrill pic.twitter.com/NfvrV6h5yz
— Canadian Coast Guard (@CoastGuardCAN) May 21, 2019
According to a spokesperson for the Canadian Coast Guard, the purpose of the drill is to test the response assets and personnel involved in the Canada-United States Joint Marine Pollution Contingency Plan, Pacific Annex (CANUSPAC Annex) in the event of an oil spill.
Both countries will be deploying pollution response crews with cleanup equipment, including vessels and aerial assets.
Wildlife experts will also be on hand to monitor for marine species in the area.
CANUSPAC Annex is a response plan designed in preparation for the possibility of incidents requiring international response.
