cruise ship Air Pollution actions to take

Fair Sailing has received many inquiries about what productive actions can be taken by residents to address cruise tourism impacts in James Bay. Here is what we have learned:

·      Every voice counts! Our strength is in collective numbers.

·      All levels of government are aware of cruise tourism impacts and have taken some actions – but not enough! Add your voice to the collective chorus of concerned citizens.

·      Address your emails/letters to elected officials – they will refer your submission for response by staff who are working on the issue you are concerned about.

·      Many cruise tourism issues are cross jurisdictional and will require time and collaboration among various interest holders to resolve.

There are solutions! Our suggestions focus on what you can do NOW. We will update this information as we learn more.

PROBLEM: AIR POLLUTION

Over the past 20 years, rapid growth in the number and size of cruise ships arriving in Ogden Point has brought noxious emissions to the James Bay neighbourhood.

Even as sulphur dioxide levels from cruise ships have been reduced to required acceptable levels, other compounds are being emitted, especially greenhouse gases, particulate matter (black carbon), NOx and volatile organic compounds. There is growing concern about ultrafine particles which have the potential to cause major health problems.

See our FAQs for more information on the problem of cruise-caused air pollution.

OUR SOLUTION:

  • Use lowest sulphur fuels NOW

  • Apply Polluter Pay Principle to Cruise Lines – use sustainable fuels, like green hydrogen, install shore power if/when feasible – without taxpayer subsidies

WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW

·      Ask the Minister of Transport Canada at Steven.MacKinnon@parl.gc.ca to mandate the use of low sulphur marine gas oil in Canadian waters and to ban scrubber wash water discharges.

·      Copy the local Member of Parliament, the Honourable Will Greaves, at will.greaves@parl.gc.ca

Background

Air pollution in public ports like Victoria falls under several jurisdiction, including the federal and provincial government and local health authorities.

Our call to action focuses on asking for immediate action by the federal government as it will have the largest impact.

Transport Canada (TC) is responsible for shipping and navigation under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001, including supporting regulations and guidelines respecting the discharge of pollution from vessels. Section 14 of the federal Public Ports and Public Ports Facility Regulation state that “no person shall, by act or omission, do anything to be done in a public port or public port authority that has or is likely to have any of the following results: (f) to cause a nuisance; (h) to adversely affect sediment, soil, air or water quality.