The federal government is attempting damage control, after endorsing a controversial drilling plan in offshore Nova Scotia.
Shell Canada would have up to 21 days to bring in capping technology, if there’s a blowout in any of seven wells in the Shelburne Basin.
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The government’s environmental assessment agency agrees with Shell’s argument that it would be too expensive to keep a capping system on scene. Instead, one would be brought in from Norway.
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Environmentalists are calling for a shorter response time, noting a recent U.S. ruling which requires blowouts be capped immediately.
In a statement, Federal Environment Minister Leona Aglukkaq — who signed off on the plan — notes she “set out 40 legally enforceable conditions for Shell Canada to follow, if the project proceeds.”
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Aglukkaq says her decision requires Shell to take all reasonable measures to prevent accidents, including an Oil Spill Response Plan, and a Well Capping Plan.
As Global News has reported, the final say on Shell’s plans belongs to the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board — which says it will make a decision before the end of the year.
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