Principal investigator
Susan Allen, University of British Columbia
CO-PIs
Stephanie Chang, Haibo Niu
Call
Cycle II, Co-funded by Ocean Networks Canada
The proposed Trans Mountain pipeline will bring a more than six-fold increase in the number of tankers transiting the Salish Sea, and they will be carrying diluted bitumen (Dilbit). This research project will improve scientific knowledge and tools to support evidence-based planning both in preparation for, and in response to, an oil spill.
The results of the research will be used by stakeholders, including Canadian Coast Guard (CHS) in products for ship pilots (accident prevention); near surface current model improvements to the Meteorological Service of Canada (MSC) for operational implementation; weathering algorithms for Dilbit to improve the Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) COSMoS model; and oil spill exposure products to local governments to facilitate more effective risk communication and emergency preparedness planning.