Dear Editor:
The recent oil spill in English Bay was inevitable along with the time delay, and finger pointing by government bodies.
What we need is a bold new plan to prepare and restrict the potentially affected areas from a major oil spill. I suggest that spools of oil booms be located directly under Lions Gate and Ironworkers Memorial bridges, to be strung out immediately and segregate three areas: Deep Cove, Inner Harbour and English Bay.
It would only require a tug boat to secure the oil booms, which are readily available. The booms would be in an ideal location for a speedy containment of minor spills.
It is all very well for the oil industry to pacify us with how safe the tankers are. We cannot rely on them to clean up their own mess. The cost would be minimal compared to the tragedy to our coasts and wildlife. The next guilty party would bear all the costs.
This spill is a wakeup call. We need a positive, prompt, independent response to any future major oil spill.
David Gavine
North Vancouver
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