Kinder Morgan Canada Limited (KML) will be conducting an emergency response exercise on the Fraser River at 7 Avenue and Wardle Street in Hope this week. They say the purpose of the exercise is to confirm viable spill control points along the Coquihalla and Fraser Rivers and to refresh KML personnel on boom deployment and towing skills in a river environment. KML assures that no oil or simulated product will be released in to the water during the exercise.
The exercise will occur Tuesday, July 11, between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., and Wednesday, July 12, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. The public may notice increased activity and presence of equipment on the Fraser River at and in the vicinity of 7 Avenue between Hazel Street and Wardle Street. To ensure the safety of the participants and the public, individuals in the vicinity of the exercise will be asked to follow directions of the on-site KML representative.
But what are they practicing?
KLM said in a release on Tuesdsay morning that the exercise will consist of land-based spill response training, setup and deployment of equipment followed by an on-water deployment on the Fraser and Coquihalla Rivers. KML-owned equipment and personnel will be used. Equipment will include containment boom and associated equipment, two response boats and an environment protection unit. Approximately 20-30 personnel, comprised of KML employees and contractors and District of Hope Fire Department, are expected to participate and assist in the exercise.
KML is required to carry out these types of exercises by its regulators.